Stacked Transparent Pixel Structures for High-Resolution Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pixel designs face challenges in achieving high pixel densities and small pixel pitches required for high-resolution displays and sensors due to physical size limitations and lower light output, particularly in technologies like LCD and OLED.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of vertically stacked hexagon-shaped or polygon-shaped subpixels with transparent emissive and conductive layers, eliminating the need for color filters and polarizers, and utilizing electroluminescent quantum dot technology for efficient power use and higher contrast ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If vertically stacked subpixels are implemented, then pixel density is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel densityVSAvoidstacked structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of subpixels to a three-dimensional vertically stacked configuration. This dimensional change allows multiple subpixels to occupy the same footprint area, thereby increasing pixel density without requiring additional lateral space. The vertical stacking enables higher resolution displays by fitting more subpixels within the same device area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel structure is segmented into multiple discrete subpixel layers stacked vertically, with each layer containing specific functional components (emissive layers, conductive layers, insulating layers). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer and simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling sequential deposition and patterning of individual layers, thereby managing complexity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If color filters and polarizers are eliminated, then device complexity is improved, but color accuracy may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent countVSAvoidcolor gamut
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light emission by using electroluminescent quantum dot materials that directly emit pure spectral colors (red, green, blue) without requiring color filters. This parameter change from filtered broadband light to direct narrowband emission simplifies the device structure by eliminating color filters and polarizers while simultaneously improving color accuracy through the inherent spectral purity of quantum dot emission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If quantum dot technology is used, then power efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidquantum dot layer precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical color filtering systems with electroluminescent quantum dot layers that generate color through electro-optical conversion. This substitution eliminates the need for physical color filter membranes and polarizing layers, reducing manufacturing steps and material layers while achieving superior power efficiency through direct electroluminescence without the energy losses associated with optical filtering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach allows for higher pixel densities, improved color gamut, faster response times, and reduced bulk and weight, enabling high dynamic range output with smaller pixel pitches, suitable for extremely high-resolution applications.

Implementation Method 1

Embodiments that utilize electroluminescent quantum dot technology that provides more efficient use of power and significantly higher contrast ratios than technologies such as LCD can offer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS20190103518A1Stacked transparent pixel structures for electronic displays
Publication Date: 2019.04.04 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
  • US20190103518A1 patent drawing
  • US20190103518A1 patent drawing
  • US20190103518A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, a pixel for an electronic display includes a first subpixel, a second subpixel stacked on top of the first subpixel, and a third subpixel stacked on top of the second subpixel. Each of the first, second, and third subpixels comprises a polygon shape. Each of the first, second, and third subpixels comprises an emissive layer, a transparent cathode layer, and a transparent anode layer.