Pixel Arrangement Structure for High PPI Display Substrate

Solution Overview

Problem

Current display technologies face challenges in achieving high pixel per inch (PPI) for high-resolution displays due to the difficulty and cost associated with manufacturing a large number of physical sub-pixels, which are required to maintain display resolution and visual resolution.

Innovation Solution

A pixel arrangement structure is introduced, where two adjacent green sub-pixels are arranged in different directions, reducing the tension in the fine metal mask (FMM) during the manufacturing process, thereby reducing the process difficulty and cost by sharing sub-pixels with lower position resolutions, such as red and blue sub-pixels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the number of physical sub-pixels is increased to achieve high PPI, then the display resolution is improved, but the process difficulty and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidprocess difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple sub-pixels into shared sub-pixel structures. Specifically, green sub-pixels are shared between adjacent pixel units, and the fine metal mask patterns for green sub-pixels are merged into a single continuous structure rather than separate patterns for each pixel unit. This reduces the total number of discrete sub-pixel structures that need to be manufactured while maintaining display resolution through virtual pixel technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing green sub-pixels that serve multiple pixel units simultaneously. The shared green sub-pixels function as display elements for multiple adjacent pixels, reducing the overall sub-pixel count. Additionally, the fine metal mask structure serves both as a pattern definition layer and as a structural support element across multiple pixel units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the number of physical sub-pixels is increased to achieve high PPI, then the display resolution is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple sub-pixels into shared sub-pixel structures. Specifically, green sub-pixels are shared between adjacent pixel units, and the fine metal mask patterns for green sub-pixels are merged into a single continuous structure rather than separate patterns for each pixel unit. This reduces the total number of discrete sub-pixel structures that need to be manufactured while maintaining display resolution through virtual pixel technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing green sub-pixels that serve multiple pixel units simultaneously. The shared green sub-pixels function as display elements for multiple adjacent pixels, reducing the overall sub-pixel count. Additionally, the fine metal mask structure serves both as a pattern definition layer and as a structural support element across multiple pixel units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If sub-pixels are shared to reduce the number of physical sub-pixels, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the tension in the fine metal mask during manufacturing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidtension in fine metal mask

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear arrangement of sub-pixels to a two-dimensional grid structure where green sub-pixels are positioned at intersections and shared by multiple pixel units. This spatial reorganization allows the fine metal mask to be supported by the two-dimensional grid of shared green sub-pixels, distributing the tension across multiple support points rather than concentrating it along a single linear path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared green sub-pixels act as intermediary support structures between adjacent pixel units. During fine metal mask manufacturing, these shared green sub-pixel regions provide intermediate support points that distribute and reduce the tension forces experienced by the fine metal mask, preventing mask deformation or breakage while still achieving the sub-pixel sharing goal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11106098B2Pixel arrangement structure, display substrate, display apparatus, and mask plate

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 BEIJING BOE TECH DEV CO LTD

AI summary

A pixel arrangement structure, a display substrate, a display device, and a mask are provided. The pixel arrangement structure includes: a first repeating unit and a second repeating unit. The first repeating unit includes a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and two third sub-pixels, and the second repeating unit includes two fourth sub-pixels, a fifth sub-pixel, and a sixth sub-pixel. In a first direction, the two third sub-pixels are between the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel, and the two fourth sub-pixels are between the fifth sub-pixel and the sixth sub-pixel. The two fourth sub-pixels are arranged along the first direction, the two third sub-pixels are arranged along a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are not parallel to each other.