Reflective Electrode Bank Layout for High-Resolution Displays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current display devices face challenges in manufacturing complexity and resolution due to the arrangement of electrodes and light emitting elements, which affects the efficiency and simplicity of the display panel design.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a substrate with a bank structure that includes first and second electrodes, light emitting elements disposed between them, and insulating layers, where the electrodes are partially on the bank to act as reflective partitions, simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing resolution by reducing the unit area occupied by each sub-pixel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrodes are completely separated from the bank structure, then electrical insulation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bank structure with the electrode structure by forming the electrode pattern directly on the bank. The bank serves dual functions as both a structural support and an electrode, eliminating the need for separate electrode layers and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining proper electrical insulation through the bank's insulating material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bank structure is given multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, defines pixel boundaries, and serves as the electrode itself. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and manufacturing steps while ensuring proper electrical insulation through the inherent insulating properties of the bank material.

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If electrodes are placed partially on the bank, then light reflection efficiency is improved, but electrical insulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission efficiencyVSAvoidinsulation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is merged with the bank structure, forming a unified component. The bank's insulating material provides the necessary electrical insulation while the metal layer on the bank provides light reflection. This merging eliminates the need for separate insulation layers and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining high light emission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bank structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, defines pixel boundaries, provides electrical insulation, and acts as the reflective electrode. This multi-functionality reduces structural complexity while improving light emission efficiency through the bank's strategic placement and reflective properties.

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

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 design simplifies the manufacturing process and increases the resolution of display devices by allowing a greater number of pixels per unit area while improving light emission efficiency through the strategic placement of electrodes and light emitting elements.

Implementation Method 1

at least portions of the first bank being spaced apart from each other; a plurality of first electrodes on the substrate, at least portions of the first electrodes being on portions of the first bank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3866195B1Display device
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3866195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3866195B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3866195B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes: a substrate; a first bank on the substrate, at least portions of the first bank being spaced apart from each other; a plurality of first electrodes on the substrate, at least portions of the first electrodes being on portions of the first bank; a second electrode on the substrate, the second electrode being spaced apart from and between adjacent ones of the first electrodes; and a plurality of light emitting elements on the first electrodes and the second electrode.