Pixel Electrode Layout to Minimize Display Off Failures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies minimize off failures in existing technologies, and commercialization thereof is in progress. The present disclosure relates to a pixel capable of minimizing the off failure.

Innovation Solution

A pixel is provided with first and second areas sectioned from each other in a second direction, and first to fourth electrodes are arranged in a first direction, with first to fourth electrodes successively aligned in a first area, and a plurality of light emitting elements disposed between two adjacent electrodes of the first to fourth electrodes in the second area, connected by first to third conductive patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If light emitting elements are connected in parallel only, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to off failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel is divided into first and second areas with separate light emitting elements (first, second, third, and fourth light emitting elements). Each area has its own set of electrodes and conductive patterns, allowing independent operation. This segmentation enables the pixel to maintain functionality even when some elements fail, resolving the reliability issue while keeping manufacturing processes modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical connection configuration from simple parallel to a hybrid serial-parallel arrangement. Specifically, light emitting elements in the first area are connected in parallel between first and second electrodes, while elements in the second area are connected in parallel between third and fourth electrodes. The second conductive pattern then connects these two parallel groups in series. This parameter change in connection topology improves reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex conductive patterns are added to connect electrodes, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second conductive pattern merges the electrical connections by connecting the second electrode of the first area with the third electrode of the second area. This single conductive pattern integrates two previously separate parallel connections into a unified hybrid serial-parallel structure. By merging rather than adding separate complex patterns, the design achieves improved reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive patterns are designed to serve multiple functions: the first and third conductive patterns establish parallel connections within each area, while the second conductive pattern simultaneously connects different areas and establishes the series relationship between them. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of required conductive patterns and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining high reliability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3998635B1Pixel, display device having same and production method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3998635B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3998635B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3998635B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A pixel may include: first and second areas sectioned from each other in a first direction; first to fourth electrodes successively arranged in the first area in a second direction intersecting the first direction; first to fourth electrodes successively arranged in the second area in the second direction; a plurality of light emitting elements disposed between two adjacent electrodes of the first to fourth electrodes of the first area; a plurality of light emitting elements disposed between two adjacent electrodes of the first to fourth electrodes of the second area; a first conductive pattern disposed in the first area, and electrically connecting the second and third electrodes; a second conductive pattern disposed over the first and second areas, and electrically connecting the fourth electrode of the first area with the first electrode of the second area; and a third conductive pattern disposed in the second area and electrically connecting the second and third electrodes.