Subpixel Reflective Block Layout for OLED Light Leakage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current OLED display technologies face challenges in efficiently managing light emission and reflection within subpixels, leading to potential light leakage and reduced display efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The display panel incorporates a design with light blocking and transmissive regions, featuring first and second reflective blocks on opposing substrates to direct light emission from light emitting elements into the transmissive region, while using black matrix blocks and diffusers to control and diffuse light, thereby preventing leakage and enhancing image display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If light emitting elements are placed in subpixels without reflective blocks, then the structure is simple, but light leakage occurs and display efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight leakageVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The subpixel is divided into distinct functional regions: a light blocking region containing the light emitting element and reflective blocks, and a light transmissive region surrounding it. This segmentation allows light to be directed specifically into the transmissive region while preventing leakage into adjacent areas, thereby improving light utilization efficiency without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire display panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reflective blocks are introduced as vertical structures extending from the substrate upward within the light blocking region. These three-dimensional reflective elements redirect light that would otherwise leak laterally, bouncing it into the light transmissive region. This vertical dimension approach effectively controls light propagation without increasing the horizontal footprint or complicating the planar layout.

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

2Productivity

If reflective blocks are added to direct light emission, then light utilization is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Reflective blocks are strategically positioned only within the light blocking region of each subpixel, specifically surrounding the light emitting element. The light transmissive region maintains its transparency without additional structures. This localized application of reflective blocks ensures that light redirection occurs precisely where needed while preserving the simplicity and light transmission properties of the surrounding regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If light blocking regions are used to prevent light leakage, then light control is improved, but the aperture ratio decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight leakage preventionVSAvoidaperture ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The light blocking region, which initially appears to be a wasted area reducing the aperture ratio, is transformed into a functional light management zone. By introducing reflective blocks within this region, light that would otherwise be lost is redirected into the light transmissive region. This converts the previously harmful light leakage into beneficial light output, allowing the light blocking region to contribute positively to display efficiency without requiring an increase in the overall aperture ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively prevents light leakage, enhances light utilization, and increases the aperture ratio, resulting in improved display efficiency and resolution.

Implementation Method 1

the first reflective block and the second reflective block are configured to reflect light emitted from the first light emitting element to the light transmissive region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3776659B1Display panel and apparatus, and fabricating method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3776659B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3776659B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1D
  • EP3776659B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A

AI summary

The present application describes a display panel having a plurality of subpixels (Sp). Each of the plurality of subpixels (Sp) has a light blocking region (A) and a light transmissive region (B) surrounding the light blocking region (A). Each of the plurality of subpixels (Sp) in the light blocking region (A) includes a first base substrate (10) and a second base substrate (50) facing each other, a first light emitting element (40) and a first reflective block (30) on a side of the first base substrate (10) proximal to the second base substrate (50), and a second reflective block (70) on a side of the second base substrate (50) proximal to the first base substrate (10). The first reflective block (30) and the second reflective block (70) are configured to reflect light emitted from the first light emitting element (40) to the light transmissive region (B) thereby displaying an image.