OLED Array Substrate Sequential Abutment for Light Transmittance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic light-emitting diode (OLED) array substrates face challenges in achieving high transmittance and display effect due to the complex layer structures and non-sequential abutment of components, which affect light transmission and emission efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The OLED array substrate features a thin film transistor in a non-light transmissive region and a sequentially abutting structure of the base substrate and organic light-emitting layer in the light transmissive region, with a filling layer having a refractive index close to the base substrate to enhance light transmittance and reduce the number of light transmission mediums.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex layer structure is used in OLED array substrate, then device functionality is improved, but light transmittance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidlight transmittance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is divided into distinct light transmissive region and non-light transmissive region. In the light transmissive region, only essential layers (base substrate, filling layer, organic light-emitting layer, second electrode) are present, while the thin film transistor is completely removed. This segmentation allows different regions to have different structural complexities optimized for their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filling layer is specifically designed with refractive index matching to the base substrate (both approximately 1.5) and is placed only in the light transmissive region. This local optimization of material properties minimizes light reflection and maximizes transmittance specifically where needed, without compromising the overall device functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If multiple layers are stacked in sequence, then device complexity is reduced, but light reflection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer structureVSAvoidlight reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The refractive index parameter of the filling layer is specifically matched to be approximately 1.5, the same as the base substrate. This parameter optimization minimizes the refractive index difference at interfaces, thereby reducing light reflection and maximizing light transmittance through the stacked layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of trying to eliminate the filling layer entirely (which would create manufacturing defects and structural instability), the invention converts the potential harmful effect of additional layers into a beneficial structure by designing the filling layer with matched refractive index. The filling layer's presence, which could increase reflection, is transformed into a light-transmission-enhancing element through proper material selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If thin film transistor is placed in light transmissive region, then device integration is improved, but light transmission is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidlight transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into functional regions: the thin film transistor is completely confined to the non-light transmissive region, while the light transmissive region contains only light-transmission-optimized layers. This spatial segmentation resolves the conflict between integration and light transmission by allowing full transistor functionality in one region and optimal light transmission in another.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration improves light transmittance and display effect by minimizing light reflection and maximizing light exit, enabling better image visibility and ambient light transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a filling layer (50), wherein the thin film transistor is disposed in a non-light transmissive region of the organic light-emitting diode array substrate; in a light transmissive region of the organic light-emitting diode array substrate, the base substrate, the filling layer and the organic light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting diode are disposed to be sequentially abutting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3026708B1Organic light-emitting diode array substrate and manufacturing method thereof, and display device
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3026708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3026708B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention disclose an organic light-emitting diode array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. The array substrate comprises: a base substrate, a thin film transistor disposed above the base substrate, an organic light-emitting diode and a filling layer, the organic light-emitting diode including a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein, in a light transmissive region of the organic light-emitting diode array substrate, the base substrate, the filling layer and the organic light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting diode are disposed to be sequentially abutting.