Side Mirror Anode for OLED Light Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The light extraction efficiency of electroluminescent display devices is compromised due to light being trapped within the device rather than being released externally.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a display device structure that includes a side mirror-type anode, a color filter layer, and a black matrix on an encapsulation unit, which enhances light extraction efficiency by utilizing reflected light in a reflection mode and eliminating the need for a polarizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional electroluminescent display device structure is used, then the device can be manufactured with light weight and thin thickness, but light extraction efficiency is poor due to light being trapped within the device
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is segmented into a first anode and a second anode positioned at different locations and orientations. The first anode extends in a first direction while the second anode extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, creating multiple light extraction paths that segment the trapped light energy into extractable components
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display device are assigned different functional qualities: the first anode region optimizes for light extraction in one orientation while the second anode region optimizes for light extraction in a perpendicular orientation, creating local quality variations that collectively improve overall light extraction efficiency
2Illumination intensity
If light extraction efficiency is improved using traditional methods, then more light can be released externally, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like polarizers
Solution Approach 1:
The dual anode structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the electrical electrode and the light extraction interface, eliminating the need for separate polarizer components. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining improved light extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the polarizer component from the traditional display structure, replacing its light extraction function with the dual anode configuration. This taking out approach simplifies the device structure while achieving the same or better light extraction performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If an always-on-display driving area is implemented, then information can be provided in a turned-off state, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device dynamically switches between self-emission mode and reflection mode based on operational requirements. The always-on-display area can transition between these modes to optimize power consumption while maintaining information display capability in turned-off states
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 improves light extraction efficiency, reduces power consumption, and enables the display device to operate in both self-emission and reflection modes, particularly in always-on-display driving areas.
Implementation Method 1
the anode can include an extending area which partially extends in one direction to form a reflection area
Data Source
AI summary
A display device can include a substrate having a first active area and a second active area, a planarization film disposed on the substrate, a first bank disposed on the planarization film, an anode disposed on the planarization film and a side surface of the first bank, a second bank disposed on the first bank and the anode while covering a part of the anode and the first bank, an organic layer and a cathode disposed on the anode, an encapsulation unit disposed on the cathode, a black matrix and a color filter layer disposed on the encapsulation unit, and an optical shutter disposed on the color filter layer of the second active area. In the second active area, the anode can include an extending area which partially extends in one direction to form a reflection area.