Transparent Conductive Pixel Layout for Higher OLED Aperture Ratio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing OLED display technologies face challenges with low aperture ratio and low pixels per inch (PPI) due to in-plane resistance capacitance (RC) affecting charging rate uniformity, and anode vias at sub-pixel ends causing uneven display.

Innovation Solution

A display substrate design with transparent conductive layers electrically connecting second and third transistor electrodes within the same sub-pixel, using integrally formed connection electrodes that do not shield the aperture, enhancing aperture ratio and PPI.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If opaque conductive layers are used to connect transistor electrodes, then electrical connection is achieved, but aperture ratio decreases due to light blocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidaperture ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies transparency to the conductive layer, changing its optical property from opaque to transparent. This allows the conductive layer to maintain its electrical function while becoming optically invisible, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable electrical connection and maintaining high aperture ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses transparent conductive materials (such as ITO, IZO, or transparent conductive oxides) that combine the properties of electrical conductivity and optical transparency. This composite material approach enables the conductive layer to simultaneously provide reliable electrical connection and not block light, thereby increasing the aperture ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If anode vias are placed at sub-pixel ends for connection, then electrical connection is achieved, but display uniformity deteriorates due to uneven light emission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoiddisplay uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the connection function from the sub-pixel end regions and relocates it to the transparent conductive layer that spans across the sub-pixel. By removing the anode vias from the sub-pixel ends and using the transparent conductive layer for connection, the source of display non-uniformity is eliminated while electrical connection is maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar connection approach (anode vias at sub-pixel ends) to a vertical/distributed connection approach where the transparent conductive layer provides continuous electrical connection across the sub-pixel area. This dimensional change allows connection without compromising display uniformity.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional conductive structures are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but pixels per inch decreases due to larger required spacing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidpixels per inch
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (resistance and capacitance) by using transparent conductive materials with optimized conductivity. This parameter change allows for reduced spacing between pixels while maintaining adequate electrical performance, thereby increasing the pixels per inch without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4632818A1Display substrate, manufacturing method therefor, and display apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP4632818A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4632818A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4632818A1 patent drawingFigure 5a

AI summary

A display substrate, a manufacturing method therefor, and a display apparatus. The display substrate comprises a base and a plurality of sub-pixels and a plurality of transparent conductive layers (300) arranged on the base; each sub-pixel comprises at least one transparent conductive layer (300), at least a part of the sub-pixels each at least comprising a second transistor and a third transistor, and a second electrode of the second transistor and a second electrode of the third transistor located in the same sub-pixel being electrically connected by means of at least one transparent conductive layer (300).