Pixel Electrode Segmentation to Block Display Leakage Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In display apparatuses, non-light-emitting pixels adjacent to light-emitting pixels emit light due to leakage currents, deteriorating display quality.
Innovation Solution
The display apparatus includes a structural layer with specific lateral surfaces and a pixel-defining layer that prevent light emission by disconnecting common layers and opposite electrodes, using tapered surfaces to manage leakage currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a common layer and opposite electrode are provided as one body over adjacent pixels, then manufacturing is simplified, but leakage current occurs between pixels causing unwanted light emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common layer and opposite electrode into separate, discontinuous portions for adjacent pixels. Specifically, the common layer is segmented into first common layers for first pixels and second common layers for second pixels, and the opposite electrode is segmented into first opposite electrodes and second opposite electrodes. This segmentation prevents leakage current paths between adjacent pixels while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a systematic division approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural configurations to different regions of the display. In regions where pixels of the same type are adjacent, the common layers and opposite electrodes are disconnected. However, the emission layers remain continuously connected across pixel boundaries. This local differentiation allows the structure to prevent leakage current in specific areas while maintaining electrical continuity where needed for light emission.
2Reliability
If common layers and opposite electrodes are disconnected to prevent leakage current, then display quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the common layers and opposite electrodes into discrete portions that are disconnected at pixel boundaries. This segmentation prevents leakage current while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The discontinuous portions are strategically placed only where needed to block leakage paths, rather than requiring complex isolation structures throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnection of common layers and opposite electrodes is applied locally at pixel boundaries rather than globally across the entire display. This localized approach prevents leakage current between adjacent pixels while maintaining electrical continuity in other critical paths, thereby improving display quality without requiring comprehensive structural redesign throughout the device.
3Device complexity
If emission layers are continuously connected across pixels, then light emission control is simplified, but leakage current spreads between adjacent pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different connectivity rules to different layers: emission layers are continuously connected across pixel boundaries to simplify light emission control, while common layers and opposite electrodes are disconnected at pixel boundaries to prevent leakage current. This selective local quality approach allows each layer to serve its specific function optimally without compromising the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a first pixel and a second pixel arranged on a substrate and adjacent to each other; and each including a common layer and an opposite electrode each being provided as a body; a pixel-defining layer including openings respectively corresponding to the first pixel and the second pixel and defining emission areas; and a structural layer arranged on the pixel-defining layer and including an upper surface, a first lateral surface, and a second lateral surface. The first lateral surface is connected to the upper surface and has a slope tapered in a reverse direction. The second lateral surface is connected to the upper surface and has a slope tapered in a forward direction. Each of the common layer and the opposite electrode includes a discontinuous portion disconnected by the first lateral surface.