Segmented Capacitor Electrodes for Flat Panel Display Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional capacitor devices in flat panel display apparatuses are prone to damage and short-circuits due to dielectric layer damage from particles, leading to defects and dark spots in the display.

Innovation Solution

The capacitor device design includes a first electrode with separated areas connected by a bridge, a second electrode with corresponding separated areas connected by a bridge, and a dielectric layer between them, allowing for floating of damaged areas to prevent complete device damage by disconnecting bridges, thus maintaining functionality with a reduced area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the capacitor uses a continuous electrode structure, then the capacitance is maximized, but any dielectric layer damage causes complete device failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidsensitivity to particle damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first electrode is divided into multiple separate electrode areas that are not continuously connected. This segmentation allows the capacitor to tolerate dielectric layer damage in specific regions without complete device failure, as damaged areas can be electrically isolated while functional areas continue to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode structure are designed with different functional qualities. The electrode areas are arranged to face different regions of the second electrode, creating zones with varying sensitivity to damage. This allows the device to maintain functionality even when specific local regions are compromised.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the electrode areas are separated and arranged to face different regions, then damage tolerance is improved, but the effective capacitance area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage toleranceVSAvoideffective capacitance area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode areas are arranged in a spatial distribution pattern where multiple areas face different regions of the opposing electrode. This dimensional arrangement maximizes the use of available space while maintaining separation, thereby preserving as much effective capacitance area as possible while achieving damage tolerance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If bridges are added to connect electrode areas, then electrical continuity is achieved, but the complexity of the device structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical continuityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Bridge structures are introduced as intermediary elements that connect the separated electrode areas. These bridges provide the necessary electrical continuity while being structurally distinct from the main electrode areas, allowing for simplified connection geometry and reduced overall device complexity compared to alternative integration methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8704285B2Capacitor device and display apparatus having the same

Publication Date: 2014.04.22 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

Present embodiments may be directed to a capacitor device, including a first electrode, which includes a first area and a second area, separated from each other, and a first bridge located between the first area and the second area, the first bridge electrically interconnecting the first area and the second area; a second electrode arranged to face the first electrode; and a dielectric layer between the first electrode and the second electrode.