Sub-Pixel Spacer Layout to Reduce Display Light Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display apparatuses in vehicles face visibility issues due to external light reflection, which affects the aperture ratio and display quality.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus with sub-pixels arranged in a specific configuration, including spacers to maintain a cell gap and protrusions at corners to reduce external light reflection, enhancing the aperture ratio and display quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If sub-pixels are arranged in a conventional configuration, then the manufacturing process is simple, but external light reflection causes visibility problems and reduces aperture ratio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal light reflectionVSAvoidsub-pixel arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by arranging sub-pixels in non-uniform patterns and using spacers of different lengths at different locations. The spacers extend in specific directions (first direction for first spacers, second direction for second spacers) rather than uniformly, creating an asymmetric structure that disrupts reflection patterns while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension by adding spacers that extend in specific directions between sub-pixels. This dimensional addition creates physical separation and angular displacement of reflected light, transforming a 2D sub-pixel arrangement problem into a 3D optical path solution

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If spacers are added between sub-pixels to reduce reflection, then external light reflection is minimized, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal light reflectionVSAvoidspacer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spacer structure into multiple types (first spacers and second spacers) with different orientations and lengths. This segmentation allows each spacer type to be optimized for specific locations, reducing overall reflection while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by placing spacers with specific properties (length, direction) at specific locations between sub-pixels. First spacers extend in a first direction at certain locations, while second spacers extend in a second direction at other locations, optimizing reflection reduction locally at each sub-pixel interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3790053B1Display apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3790053B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3790053B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3790053B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A display apparatus includes a display area extending in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2), first to fourth sub-pixels, and a spacer. The first sub-pixel emits a first color light, and includes first and second sides extending in a third direction (D3) inclined at a predetermined angle with the first direction, and third and fourth sides extending in a fourth direction (D4) perpendicular to the third direction. The second sub-pixel emits a second color light, and is disposed adjacent to the second side of the first sub-pixel in the fourth direction. The third sub-pixel emits a third color light, and is disposed adjacent to the fourth side of the first sub-pixel in the third direction. The fourth sub-pixel emits the first color light, and is disposed adjacent to the second and third sub-pixels. The spacer is disposed between the first and second sub-pixels and between the third and fourth sub-pixels.