Optical Path Control Member With In-Hole Electrode Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light blocking films for display devices, such as those used in mobile phones and vehicles, require a connection electrode region that increases the bezel size, reducing the display area.

Innovation Solution

An optical path control member with an electrode connection part disposed inside a hole in a second substrate, allowing direct contact with a second electrode, thereby eliminating the need for protrusions on both substrates, thus reducing the bezel region and enabling space for additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connection electrode region is added to connect the light blocking film to an external circuit board, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the bezel region size increases and display area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection electrode part is positioned inside a hole formed in the second substrate, utilizing the vertical dimension (thickness direction) rather than expanding in the horizontal plane. This allows electrical connection without increasing the bezel region width, thereby maintaining display area while achieving connectivity to external circuit boards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection electrode part is nested within the hole of the second substrate, which itself is part of the optical path control member structure. This nested arrangement allows the connection electrode to be accommodated within the existing structural footprint without requiring additional bezel space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If protruding regions are formed on both first and second substrates to form connection electrodes, then electrical connection is established, but the overall device size and bezel region increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection electrode part is extracted from the traditional protruding region configuration and repositioned inside a hole in the second substrate. This extraction eliminates the need for protruding regions on both substrates, reducing the overall device size and bezel region while maintaining electrical connection functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forming connection electrodes by adding protruding regions outward from the substrates, the invention inverts the approach by forming the connection electrode part inward within a hole in the second substrate, thereby reducing rather than increasing the device footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The solution reduces the bezel region of the display, allowing for a smaller overall display size and accommodating components like hinges, cameras, and sensors, while maintaining electrical connectivity through the auxiliary connection electrode.

Implementation Method 1

The electrode connection part is in direct contact with a side surface of a second electrode, and thus, the electrode connection part is electrically connected to the second electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4174566B1Optical path control member and display device comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4174566B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4174566B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4174566B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An optical path control member according to an embodiment comprises: a first substrate; a first electrode disposed on the first substrate; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate; a second electrode disposed under the second substrate; and a photoconversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the second substrate includes at least one hole penetrating the second substrate, and an electrode connection part connected to a side surface of the second electrode is disposed inside the hole.