Planar Electroluminescent Devices With Non-Contact Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electroluminescent devices with vertical structures are limited in their applications, have complex production processes, and high production costs due to the requirement of two transparent electrodes, restricting substrate material choices and being unsuitable for diverse uses beyond display lighting.
Innovation Solution
The development of planar electroluminescent devices with a novel structure featuring a substrate layer, electrode layer, and light-emitting layer, where the light-emitting layer and insulating layer can be combined, and additional layers such as protecting and modulating layers can be included, allowing for various configurations and materials, including non-conductive substrates like plastic or cloth, and electrodes printed without contact, enabling flexible and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vertical structure EL devices with two transparent electrodes are used, then light emission function is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one electrode from the traditional two-electrode vertical structure, extracting the unnecessary component. The planar structure uses only a bottom electrode while the top surface remains electrode-free, simplifying the device architecture while maintaining electroluminescence functionality through the planar configuration of electrodes and functional layers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical electrode arrangement by transitioning to a planar configuration where electrodes are arranged side-by-side in the same plane rather than stacked vertically. This inversion of the structural paradigm enables simplified manufacturing and material selection while preserving the light emission function
2Reliability
If two transparent electrodes are required for vertical EL devices, then light emission is achieved, but substrate material choices are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the requirement for a transparent top electrode, eliminating the constraint that both electrodes must be transparent. This allows the use of opaque or non-transparent substrates and top layers, greatly expanding material selection flexibility while maintaining the electroluminescence function through the planar electrode configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The planar structure design provides universal compatibility with various substrate materials by removing the transparency requirement. The device can now be fabricated on diverse substrates including plastics, metals, and ceramics, making the technology universally applicable across different form factors and applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If vertical EL device structure is used, then display lighting application is enabled, but application diversity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical stacking approach by adopting a planar configuration where functional layers and electrodes are arranged in the same plane. This paradigm shift enables diverse application scenarios including flexible displays, wearable electronics, and large-area lighting, while simplifying the production process through conventional printing and coating techniques
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 configuration enhances the versatility and cost-effectiveness of electroluminescent devices, allowing for diverse applications beyond display lighting, reduces production complexity, and offers a wide range of substrate material options, while maintaining efficient light emission with improved luminous efficiency compared to traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
the space between adjacent electrodes is filled with a liquid crystal material or electrochromic material... When voltage is applied, the electroluminescent device can emit light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a planar electroluminescence (EL) device comprising a substrate layer, an electrode layer, a light emitting layer, and a modulating layer, wherein the electrode layer comprises a plurality of electrodes arranged on a same level over the substrate layer, and there is no contact between adjacent electrodes. In one embodiment, the device further comprises a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron injection layer (EIL) and an electrode transport layer (ETL). In one embodiment, the light emitting layer comprises organic light emitting polymers or organic light emitting molecules. The device of the present invention would emit light when liquid, polar component, or conductive solution is written directly on the light emitting layer. In one embodiment, the device can emit light for prolonged period when the light emitting layer is coated or deposited with conductive material.