OLED Display Device Trench Contact for Narrow Frame Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
OLED display devices face challenges in ensuring a sufficient contact area between conductive layers, leading to increased electrical resistance and unsatisfactory display quality due to the narrow widths of the first and second conductive layers.
Innovation Solution
A display device structure is implemented with a planarization film featuring a trench that divides the frame area, allowing the electrode of the light-emitting element to be electrically connected to the first conductive layer via a second conductive layer, which is in contact with both the electrode and the first conductive layer, thereby increasing the contact area and reducing electrical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the widths of the first conductive layer and second conductive layer are reduced to meet the demand for a narrow frame, then the frame width is reduced, but the contact area between the second electrode and second conductive layer becomes insufficient, leading to increased electrical resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the second conductive layer vertically into the planarization film to form a protrusion, transforming a two-dimensional contact problem into a three-dimensional solution. This increases the contact area between the second electrode and second conductive layer without increasing the horizontal frame width, thereby maintaining narrow frame dimensions while ensuring sufficient electrical connection stability.
2Area of stationary object
If the widths of the first conductive layer and second conductive layer are reduced, then the frame area is minimized, but the contact area between the first conductive layer and second conductive layer becomes insufficient, increasing electrical resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The second conductive layer forms a vertical protrusion into the planarization film, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to increase the contact interface area. This allows the horizontal footprint to remain small for a narrow frame design, while the vertical extension provides sufficient contact area between conductive layers to maintain low electrical resistance and connection reliability.
3Reliability
If the contact area between electrode and conductive layer is increased to reduce electrical resistance, then display quality is improved, but the frame width must be increased, compromising the narrow frame design
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing horizontal dimensions to expand contact area, the patent creates a vertical protrusion of the second conductive layer into the planarization film. This three-dimensional structure increases the effective contact area between the electrode and conductive layer without expanding the horizontal frame width, thereby improving display quality while maintaining the narrow frame design.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a first conductive layer on a resin substrate layer; a planarization film on the first conductive layer; and OLEDs on the planarization film. There is provided a second conductive layer in a frame area surrounding a display area. The second conductive layer is in contact with second electrodes of the OLEDs on the planarization film and also in contact with the first conductive layer in an external side of the planarization film. The second electrode is electrically connected to the first conductive layer via the second conductive layer. The planarization film includes, in the frame area, a portion where there is provided a trench. The first conductive layer is exposed from the planarization film in the trench. The second electrode is electrically connected to the first conductive layer via the second conductive layer in the trench.