Tiled Display Pad Electrode Capping for Seamless Module Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-sized display devices face increased defect rates and reduced productivity due to the number of pixels, leading to a sense of disconnection when images are displayed across multiple tiled devices, as seams between connected displays can disrupt immersion.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a capping layer that covers the pad electrode, reducing contact resistance and protecting it from external environments, including a first substrate with a contact hole, a barrier insulating layer, and a flexible film electrically connected through the contact holes, which minimizes damage during etching and enhances external protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a large-sized display device is manufactured with increased number of pixels, then the display size is improved, but the defect rate of light emitting elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay sizeVSAvoiddefect rate of light emitting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The large display device is divided into multiple small display modules that are connected together to form the complete display. Each module contains a reduced number of pixels, which maintains lower defect rates while the combined modules achieve the desired large display size. The segmentation allows each module to be manufactured with higher reliability while collectively providing the large-area display function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If multiple display devices are connected to form a tiled display, then the display size is improved, but visible seams appear between devices reducing image immersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay sizeVSAvoidimage continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple display modules are merged together with their boundary portions closely aligned to form a unified large display. The connection structures include conductive adhesives and bonding layers that integrate the modules into a single coherent visual output, minimizing visible seams and maintaining image continuity across the entire display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the pad electrode is exposed without protection, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the pad electrode is damaged during etching and external exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidpad electrode protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protective capping layer is formed over the pad electrode before subsequent etching and manufacturing steps. This preliminary protective action prevents damage to the pad electrode during processing and external exposure, while the layer is later removed or opened to expose the pad electrode for electrical connection. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring electrode protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the pad electrode is directly exposed, then contact resistance is reduced, but the pad electrode is vulnerable to external environment damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact resistanceVSAvoidexternal environment exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive capping layer serves as an intermediary between the pad electrode and the external environment. This layer provides electrical connection functionality while simultaneously protecting the pad electrode from environmental damage. The capping layer maintains low contact resistance through its conductive properties while acting as a protective barrier against moisture, oxidation, and other harmful external factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230275188A1Display device, method of manufacturing the same and tiled display device including the same
Publication Date: 2023.08.31 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20230275188A1 patent drawing
  • US20230275188A1 patent drawing
  • US20230275188A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device, a method of manufacturing the same and a tiled display device including the same are provided. The display device includes a first substrate including a first contact hole, a first barrier insulating layer disposed on the first substrate and including a second contact hole overlapping the first contact hole in a thickness direction, a capping layer disposed on the first barrier insulating layer, at least a portion of the capping layer being disposed in the second contact hole and the first contact hole, a pad electrode disposed on the capping layer, a display layer disposed on the pad electrode, and a flexible film disposed under the first substrate and electrically connected to the pad electrode through the first contact hole and the second contact hole.