Pixel Electrode Alignment Using a Reference Voltage Line

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fabricating display devices with light-emitting diodes face challenges in efficiently aligning and increasing the fabrication efficiency of these elements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of an alignment voltage through a reference voltage line connected to a pixel electrode, eliminating the need for an additional alignment line, and using a single process to form pixel electrodes, thereby simplifying the fabrication process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an additional alignment line is formed to align light-emitting diodes, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity and fabrication steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidfabrication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the alignment line function with the reference voltage line function into a single structural element. The reference voltage line serves dual purposes: providing electrical reference voltage to pixel electrodes and serving as an alignment reference for light-emitting diodes during fabrication. This merging eliminates the need for a separate alignment line, reducing fabrication process complexity while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage line is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical reference voltage for pixel operation and serves as a physical alignment reference for positioning light-emitting diodes. This multi-functionality approach allows a single structure to fulfill both electrical and mechanical alignment roles, simplifying the overall device architecture and fabrication process.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate processes are used to form alignment lines and pixel electrodes, then the alignment precision is improved, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidfabrication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the formation of alignment lines and pixel electrodes into a single integrated process. By designing the reference voltage line to serve as both the alignment reference and the functional electrode, the fabrication process requires only one formation step instead of multiple separate processes, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage line is designed and positioned in advance to serve dual purposes. During the pixel electrode formation process, the reference voltage line is simultaneously created to function as both the electrical reference and the alignment guide for subsequent light-emitting diode placement, eliminating the need for separate alignment line formation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a reference voltage line is used for alignment instead of a separate alignment line, then the productivity is improved, but the alignment precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication efficiencyVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent successfully merges the alignment function with the reference voltage line function without compromising precision. The reference voltage line is designed with appropriate geometric characteristics and positioning that enable it to serve as an effective alignment reference while maintaining its electrical function, achieving both productivity improvement and precision maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach improves the efficiency of fabricating display devices by aligning light-emitting diodes more effectively and reducing the number of fabrication steps, enhancing the overall production process.

Implementation Method 1

an alignment voltage is applied through a reference voltage line connected to a pixel electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3855496B1Display device and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3855496B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3855496B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3855496B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a method for manufacturing a display device, a substrate that includes a display area including a plurality of pixel areas and a non-display area disposed at the periphery of the display area is prepared. First switching elements are formed in the pixel areas, respectively, and a circuit element layer that includes reference voltage wire disposed in the non-display area and electrically connected to the first switching elements is formed. Pixel electrodes that include first pixel electrodes disposed in the pixel areas on the circuit element layer, respectively, and electrically connected through the first switching elements to the reference voltage wire, and second pixel electrodes facing the first pixel electrodes, are formed. A plurality of light emitting elements are disposed between the first pixel electrodes and the second pixel electrodes. A first source voltage is applied to the reference voltage wire and a second source voltage is applied to the second pixel electrodes to align the light emitting elements.