Touch Electrode Cathode Layout for Narrow-Bezel OLED Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatuses face limitations in reducing the bezel area due to the need for components like gate drivers and electro-static discharge circuits, which occupy significant inactive space, and the exposure of cathode and low-potential power lines to external moisture, hindering the implementation of a narrow bezel design.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a simplified cathode ground structure, utilizing a connection electrode made of the same material as the cathode and low-potential power line, and an encapsulation layer with inorganic and organic insulating layers to protect the light emitting elements, minimizing the inactive area and bezel size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If components like gate drivers and ESD circuits are disposed in the display assembly, then various functions are provided, but the non-display area increases and bezel area cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the touch electrode structure. The touch electrode serves both as a touch sensing element and as the cathode connection structure, eliminating the need for separate gate drivers and ESD circuits in the display assembly. This merging of functions reduces the non-display area while maintaining all necessary functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch electrode is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a touch sensing electrode, a cathode connection path, and an ESD protection structure. This multi-functionality allows the reduction of dedicated component areas while maintaining all required functions, thereby reducing the overall bezel area.
2Reliability
If contact structure of cathode and low-potential power line is disposed outside the component, then connection is achieved, but the structure is exposed to external moisture and larger non-display area is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode connection structure is nested within the touch electrode structure. The touch electrode encompasses the cathode connection path, providing both electrical connection and protection. This nested arrangement shields the connection structure from external moisture while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch electrode acts as an intermediary structure that simultaneously provides electrical connection and environmental protection. It mediates between the cathode and the external environment, allowing electrical connection while preventing moisture permeation to the underlying components.
3Reliability
If distance from trimming line is increased to protect from moisture, then element protection is improved, but bezel area cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The touch electrode structure acts as a flexible protective shell that provides moisture barrier protection without requiring excessive distance from the trimming line. This thin-film-like protective structure maintains element protection while enabling bezel reduction.
4Area of moving object
If inactive area is reduced for narrow bezel, then device to screen ratio increases, but space for components and encapsulation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch electrode and cathode connection structures, eliminating the need for separate component spaces. This consolidation allows the inactive area to be minimized while still accommodating all necessary components and their encapsulation requirements.
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 design allows for a compact, lightweight display apparatus with a full light emission screen and improved grip, achieving a narrow bezel by optimizing the cathode connection and reducing the bezel area.
Implementation Method 1
to protect the element from permeation of the external moisture
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a substrate including an active area and an inactive area disposed around the active area, a light emitting element disposed in the active area and including an anode, an emission layer and a cathode, an encapsulation layer disposed on the light emitting element and including a first and second inorganic insulating layer and an organic insulating layer, a touch part disposed on the encapsulation layer and including a first touch insulating layer, a touch electrode part and a second touch insulating layer, a contact hole disposed in the inactive area and exposing an upper portion of the cathode covering the entire active area and a part of the inactive area; and a first electrode electrically connected to the cathode through the contact hole in the inactive area. The touch electrode part and the first electrode are made of the same material.