Abstract:
A method of fabricating a support structure (118). In one embodiment, the method is comprised of providing a mold (220). The mold (220) is for defining the physical dimension of the support structure. The mold (220) is disposed upon a substrate surface (210). In one embodiment, the method is further comprised of depositing a powder (230) into the mold (220). The present method is further comprised of compacting the powder (230) deposited in the mold (220). The compacting forms the support structure (118). In one embodiment, the method is further comprised of removing the mold (220) from the substrate surface (210) upon which it is disposed. The removal of the mold (220) exposes the support structure (118). The fabricated support structure (118) is then implementable during assembly of a display device (100). In one embodiment, the powder (230) deposited in the mold (220) is a metal powder (230).
Abstract:
A multi-level matrix structure (100) for retaining a support structure within a flat panel display device. In one embodiment, the multi-level matrix structure (100) is comprised of first parallel ridges (102). The multi-level matrix structure (100) further includes second parallel ridges (104). The second parallel ridges (104) are oriented substantially orthogonally with respect to the first parallel ridges (102). In this embodiment, the second parallel ridges (104) have a height which is greater than the height of the first parallel ridges (102). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second plurality of parallel spaced apart ridges (104) include contact portions (106) for retaining a support structure at a desired location within a flat panel display device. Hence, when a support structure is inserted between at least two of the contact portions (106) of the multi-level support structure (100), the support structure is retained in place, at a desired location within the flat panel display device, by the contact portions (106).
Abstract:
A method for forming a three-dimensional multi-level conductive matrix structure for a flat panel display device. In one embodiment, the present invention forms first pixel separating structures across a surface of a faceplate of a flat panel display. The first pixel separating structures separate adjacent first sub-pixel regions. In this embodiment, the first pixel separating structures are formed by applying a first layer of photo-imagable material across the surface of the faceplate. Next, portions of the first layer of photo-imagable material are removed to leave regions of the first layer of photo-imagable material covering respective first sub-pixel regions. Then, a first layer of conductive material is applied over the surface of the faceplate such that the first layer conductive material is disposed between the aforementioned regions of the first layer of photo-imagable material. The present invention then removes the regions of the first layer of photo-imagable material leaving only first pixel separating structures formed of the first layer of conductive material, disposed between the first sub-pixel regions. The present invention performs similar steps in order to form second pixel separating structures between the second sub-pixel regions. The second pixel separating structures are formed substantially orthogonally oriented with respect to the first pixel separating structures and, in the present embodiment, have a different height than the first pixel separating structures. In so doing, a three-dimensional multi-level conductive matrix structure is formed.