Sub-Pixel Electrode Bridge Layout to Prevent Display Dark Spots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices face issues with dark spot defects due to the absence of light-emitting elements between connection electrodes, leading to disrupted current paths and incomplete illumination of sub-pixels.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode with light-emitting elements and connection electrodes, along with electrode patterns and bridge patterns to form alternative current paths, allowing electric current to flow even if no light-emitting element is disposed between certain connection electrodes, thereby addressing dark spot defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If no light-emitting element is disposed between connection electrodes, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but dark spot defects occur and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoiddisplay quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrode structure into multiple segments: first electrode pattern, second electrode pattern, and bridge pattern. This segmentation allows the current path to be divided into alternative routes, enabling current to flow through either the light-emitting element path or the electrode pattern path, thereby preventing dark spot defects while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge pattern acts as an intermediary element that connects the first electrode pattern and second electrode pattern. This intermediary structure provides an alternative current path when no light-emitting element is disposed between connection electrodes, ensuring continuous current flow and preventing display defects without adding complex structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If light-emitting elements are disposed between all connection electrodes, then display quality is improved, but productivity decreases due to stricter manufacturing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural qualities to different regions: in some regions light-emitting elements are disposed between connection electrodes, while in other regions the electrode patterns and bridge patterns provide alternative paths. This local differentiation allows manufacturing flexibility while maintaining overall display quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode patterns and bridge patterns are pre-designed as backup current paths before manufacturing defects occur. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if light-emitting elements are missing or defective, the alternative paths are already in place to carry current, preventing dark spot defects without requiring perfect manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4060736B1Display device
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4060736B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4060736B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4060736B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode extending in one direction on a substrate and being spaced from one another, a first light-emitting element between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a second light-emitting element between the second electrode and the third electrode, a first connection electrode on the first electrode and in contact with a first end of the first light-emitting element, a second connection electrode on one side of the second electrode and in contact with a first end of the second light-emitting element, a third connection electrode on an opposite side of the second electrode and in contact with a second end of the first light-emitting element, and a fourth connection electrode on the third electrode and in contact with a second end of the second light-emitting element.