OLED Planarization Protrusion for Cathode Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of organic light-emitting display devices is complex and costly due to the need for multiple mask processes, leading to increased production time and defects, and there is a demand for simplifying the structure and process to enhance yield and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a protrusion from the planarization layer that exposes the thin-film transistor, allowing the cathode electrode and auxiliary connection electrode to be electrically connected without a separate partition, thereby reducing the number of mask processes required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple mask processes are used to manufacture the display device, then the manufacturing precision and structure complexity are improved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the partition layer and auxiliary connection electrode into a single integrated structure formed by one mask process. The partition layer simultaneously serves as the auxiliary connection electrode, eliminating the need for separate formation processes for these two components while maintaining their distinct functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a physical partition separating light-emitting regions and as an auxiliary connection electrode providing electrical connection. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of required mask processes from multiple to just one for this component.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple mask processes are used to manufacture the display device, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the production yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of the partition layer and auxiliary connection electrode into a single mask process step. This reduction in the number of sequential processes directly decreases the cumulative defect rate and improves production yield, as each additional process step introduces potential for defects.
3Reliability
If a separate partition is used to connect the cathode electrode and auxiliary connection electrode, then the electrical connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the partition layer and auxiliary connection electrode into a single integrated structure. This merger simplifies the device structure by eliminating redundant components while maintaining the electrical connection function between the cathode electrode and auxiliary connection electrode through the conductive partition layer.
4Reliability
If a separate partition is used to connect the cathode electrode and auxiliary connection electrode, then the electrical connection is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of the partition layer and auxiliary connection electrode into a single mask process step. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the total number of process steps required, while the partition layer simultaneously provides both the physical partitioning and electrical connection functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an organic light-emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the same. In the organic light-emitting display device, a first protrusion is provided to protrude from a planarization layer, which has a pixel contact hole configured to expose a thin-film transistor disposed on a substrate, toward a cathode electrode of an organic light-emitting element, and a side surface angle of the first protrusion differs from a side surface angle of the planarization layer, which is exposed through the pixel contact hole. Thereby, the cathode electrode and an auxiliary connection electrode may be electrically connected to each other without a separate partition, which may simplify the structure and the manufacturing process of the organic light-emitting display device.