Tiled Display Electrode Layout for Narrow Panel Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tiled display devices lack an efficient alignment key function during manufacturing processes, leading to increased costs and reduced design flexibility due to the need for separate alignment keys and wider panel spacing.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a lower electrode layer with a second lower electrode layer in the alignment key area of each display device, which performs the alignment key function, allowing for reduced panel spacing and eliminating the need for separate alignment keys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate alignment keys are used in existing tiled display devices, then alignment function is provided, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the alignment key function with the lower electrode layer structure. The lower electrode layer is designed to extend into the alignment key area, allowing it to serve both as an electrical electrode and as an alignment reference during manufacturing processes. This integration eliminates the need for separate alignment key structures, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the alignment function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower electrode layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as an electrical component for display operation and simultaneously functions as an alignment key for manufacturing processes. By making the lower electrode layer multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated alignment key structures, reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wider panel spacing is used in existing tiled display devices, then alignment key function is achieved, but external visibility is reduced and design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidpanel spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the alignment key function with the lower electrode layer, allowing alignment to be performed without requiring additional spacing between panels. The lower electrode layer extends into the alignment key area, enabling precise alignment during manufacturing while maintaining tighter panel spacing, which improves external visibility and provides greater design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical layering dimension by designing the lower electrode layer to extend into the alignment key area beneath the panel surface. This dimensional approach allows alignment key functionality to be achieved without increasing horizontal panel spacing, thereby improving external visibility and design flexibility while maintaining compact panel arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If separate alignment keys are used, then alignment function is provided, but the structure requires additional components increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the alignment key function with the lower electrode layer structure. The lower electrode layer is designed to extend into the alignment key area, allowing it to serve both as an electrical electrode and as an alignment reference during manufacturing processes. This integration eliminates the need for separate alignment key structures, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the alignment function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower electrode layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as an electrical component for display operation and simultaneously functions as an alignment key for manufacturing processes. By making the lower electrode layer multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated alignment key structures, reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12288772B2Tiled display device

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A tiled display device includes a first display device and a second display device, each of the first display and the second display including a display area and a non-display area. The first display device and the second display device are bonded to each other. The first display device includes an alignment key area and a lower electrode layer. The alignment key area performs an alignment key function when a process is performed on the tiled display device. The lower electrode layer includes a first lower electrode layer and a second lower electrode layer. The first lower electrode layer surrounds the display area of the first display device and the second lower electrode layer is disposed in the alignment key area.