Sub-Pixel Electrode Layout for Repairing Misplaced Light Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face challenges in easily repairing defective sub-pixels, particularly those with color mixing defects, where light emitting elements of different sizes can lead to incorrect placement and functionality issues, requiring a method to connect or disconnect these elements efficiently without additional structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a substrate with sub-pixels, each containing a pixel circuit, a first light emitting element on one side, and a second light emitting element on the other, connected by a pixel electrode that can be selectively disconnected or connected using assembly electrodes to repair or maintain functionality, allowing for easy darkening of defective sub-pixels and simplifying the repair process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If light emitting elements of different sizes are used to fill sub-pixels, then the active area coverage is improved, but color mixing defects occur due to incorrect placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light emitting element into two separate electrodes (first electrode and second electrode) with the semiconductor layer positioned between them. This segmentation allows the light emitting element to be flexibly arranged and connected to the pixel circuit, enabling better area utilization while maintaining precise electrical connections despite variations in element sizes and positions.
2Reliability
If defective sub-pixels are repaired by replacing light emitting elements, then the display quality is improved, but the repair process becomes complex requiring additional structures
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the anode for the light emitting element during normal operation and as a repair electrode during defect remediation. The electrode structure and connection method remain the same whether the sub-pixel is functioning normally or being repaired, eliminating the need for separate repair-specific structures and simplifying the overall repair process.
3Ease of repair
If a separate repair structure is added to enable defect remediation, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the normal operational components with the repair functionality by using the same pixel electrode and assembly electrode structures for both purposes. The pixel electrode extends to the light emitting element during normal operation, and the same extension enables welding operations during repair. This consolidation eliminates redundant structures and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining full repair capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If the pixel electrode is disconnected from a defective light emitting element, then the color mixing defect is eliminated, but the light emitting element cannot be repaired
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly electrode serves as an intermediary component that provides a stable connection point for welding operations. During repair, the welding electrode connects to the assembly electrode, which in turn connects to the pixel electrode and light emitting element. This intermediary structure enables reliable electrical connection for welding while allowing the pixel electrode to be selectively disconnected from defective elements to eliminate color mixing defects.
Data Source
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AI summary
A display device (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a substrate (110) including a plurality of sub-pixels (SP), a pixel circuit disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP) on the substrate (110), a first light emitting element (130) disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP), disposed on one side of the pixel circuit, and including a first electrode (134), a semiconductor layer (133), and a second electrode (135), a second light emitting element (140) disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels (SP), disposed on the other side of the pixel circuit, and including a first electrode (144), a semiconductor layer (143), and a second electrode (145) and a pixel electrode (PE) electrically connected to the pixel circuit and extending to the first light emitting element (130) and the second light emitting element (140), thus a defective light emitting element of the sub-pixel can be easily repaired.