OLED Segments with Structured Electrodes for Brightness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with multiple light-emitting segments require separate electrodes and supply lines, increasing manufacturing complexity and limiting the minimum distance between segments.
Innovation Solution
An OLED design where multiple light-emitting segments share common electrodes with reduced electrical conductivity at dividing lines, allowing for different brightness levels without separate supply lines, enabling closer segment placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate electrodes and supply lines are used for each light-emitting segment, then different brightness levels can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and segment distance cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light-emitting segments share common first and second electrodes instead of having separate electrodes for each segment. This merging of electrode structures reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to control different brightness levels through a single supply line that distributes current to all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The common electrodes are structured with varying local properties - specifically, the electrode material is removed or reduced in certain regions to create dividing lines that optically separate segments while maintaining electrical connectivity. This allows different brightness levels in different segments through localized structural modifications rather than complete separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate supply lines are used for each light-emitting segment, then different brightness levels can be achieved, but the distance between segments cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A single supply line provides electrical connection to all light-emitting segments through the common electrodes, eliminating the need for multiple separate supply lines. This merging allows segments to be placed closer together since only one supply line is required, reducing the overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured common electrodes act as an intermediary that distributes electrical current from a single supply line to multiple segments. The electrode structure with dividing lines mediates between the single supply line and multiple segments, enabling close placement while maintaining independent brightness control through current distribution.
3Shape
If the first electrode is completely severed by the dividing line, then segment separation is achieved, but electrical connectivity between segments is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The dividing line in the electrode structure creates local optical separation between segments while maintaining overall electrical connectivity. The electrode material is selectively removed or reduced in specific regions to create visual boundaries without completely interrupting the electrical pathway, allowing both segment identification and current flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing line structure creates an optical copy or visual representation of segment boundaries without physically separating the electrical connection. The electrode structure mimics the appearance of separation while maintaining the functional electrical connectivity needed for operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies production and allows for a smaller distance between segments by achieving different brightness levels through reduced current flow via structured electrodes, eliminating the need for separate supply lines.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrode has at least one dividing line, with the lateral electrical conductivity of the first electrode being reduced in the region of the dividing line
Implementation Method 2
a reduced brightness of the second light segment compared to the first light segment is achieved in that the current flow through the second light segment is reduced due to the reduced electrical conductivity of the dividing line
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An organic light-emitting diode (10) is described, comprising a first light-emitting segment (1) and at least a second light-emitting segment (2), wherein the light-emitting segments (1, 2) are provided for emitting radiation with different brightnesses and have a common first electrode (11) and a common second electrode (12), wherein - the first electrode (11) has at least one separating line (8) which does not completely cut through the first electrode (11), - an electrical conductivity of the first electrode (11) is reduced in the region of the separating line (8), - the separating line (8) separates the first light-emitting segment (1) from the second light-emitting segment (2), and - the second light-emitting segment (2) has during operation a lesser brightness than the first light-emitting segment (1).