Pixel Electrode Layout for Reliable Bridge Pattern Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in achieving improved reliability of pixels, particularly in the arrangement and electrical connections of bridge patterns and storage capacitors within sub-pixels, which affect the overall performance and longevity of the display.

Innovation Solution

A novel pixel design is introduced, where sub-pixels have electrodes overlapping bridge patterns and are connected via contactors, with a storage capacitor configuration that enhances electrical connectivity and includes a bank pattern for improved insulation and alignment, ensuring robust electrical connections and reduced defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If bridge patterns and storage capacitors are spaced apart from light emitting elements in parallel direction, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but electrical connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar arrangement where bridge patterns and storage capacitors are spaced apart in parallel direction to a multi-layer vertical arrangement. The bridge patterns are positioned in a first planar region while storage capacitors are positioned in a second planar region at a different vertical level, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and electrical connection reliability through three-dimensional spatial separation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces alignment electrodes as intermediary elements that facilitate reliable electrical connections between the bridge patterns and other pixel components. These alignment electrodes serve as mediating structures that ensure proper alignment and electrical connectivity while maintaining the spaced-apart arrangement of bridge patterns and storage capacitors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electrodes overlap bridge patterns with contactors, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment electrodes serve multiple functions: they provide alignment references for pixel component fabrication, establish electrical connections between bridge patterns and other elements, and act as structural support elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while improving electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the alignment electrode function with the electrical connection function. The same alignment electrode structure that provides fabrication alignment also serves as the electrical connection pathway to the bridge pattern, eliminating the need for separate alignment and connection structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If storage capacitor upper electrode connects to bridge pattern through via hole, then electrical connectivity is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidvia hole alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The via holes are positioned and formed in advance during the fabrication process, with their locations predetermined by the alignment electrode patterns. This preliminary positioning ensures that the via holes align correctly with both the bridge patterns and storage capacitor electrodes, reducing the precision requirements for subsequent alignment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment electrodes serve as intermediary reference structures that mediate the positioning relationship between the via holes, bridge patterns, and storage capacitors. By establishing a common reference framework, the alignment electrodes reduce the cumulative precision requirements that would otherwise exist between all these components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4258354B1Pixel and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4258354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4258354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4258354B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pixel may include a first sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel, and a second sub-pixel arranged in a second direction, and each including an emission area and a non-emission area. Each of the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel may include a pixel circuit including at least one transistor and a storage capacitor, a first alignment electrode disposed on the pixel circuit, a second alignment electrode extending spaced apart from the first alignment electrode, a light emitting element disposed between the second alignment electrode and the first alignment electrode, and including a first end adjacent to the second alignment electrode and a second end adjacent to the first alignment electrode, and a bridge pattern spaced apart from the first alignment electrode and the second alignment electrode, and electrically connected to the storage capacitor.