Active Matrix Substrate Auxiliary Conductive Portion

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the manufacturing of active matrix substrates, the conductive material applied between semiconductor films and pixel electrodes tends to flow out, resulting in reduced thickness and compromised conductivity of drain electrodes.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an auxiliary conductive portion electrically connecting pixel electrodes to the conductive film, formed in the same layer as lattice-patterned wires, prevents material flow and ensures a sufficient thickness of the conductive film, which can be achieved without increasing the number of processing steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive material is applied directly between semiconductor film and pixel electrodes, then electrical connection is achieved, but conductive material flows out toward pixel electrodes reducing drain electrode thickness and conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductivity of drain electrodesVSAvoidthickness of conductive film

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An auxiliary conductive portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the pixel electrode and the drain electrode. This auxiliary portion receives the conductive material that would otherwise flow onto the pixel electrode, preventing material loss from the drain electrode while maintaining electrical connectivity through the auxiliary conductive path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive connection path is segmented into two distinct parts: the drain electrode formed on the semiconductor film, and the auxiliary conductive portion formed separately. This segmentation allows the conductive material to be deposited in a controlled manner, with excess material being directed to the auxiliary portion rather than flowing uncontrollably onto the pixel electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If auxiliary conductive portion is added to prevent material flow, then conductive film thickness is maintained, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethickness of conductive filmVSAvoidstructure of conductive connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary conductive portion is merged with the existing lattice-patterned wires structure. By forming the auxiliary conductive portion in the same layer and integrating it with the wire pattern, the design maintains structural simplicity while achieving the functional benefit of preventing conductive material flow onto the pixel electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7477336B2Active matrix substrate, method of manufacturing active matrix substrate, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2009.01.13 138 EAST LCD ADVANCEMENTS LTD

AI summary

There is provided an active matrix substrate including, on a substrate: lattice-patterned wires, pixel electrodes arranged in an area surrounded with the wires, and switching elements electrically connected to the wires and the pixel electrodes with a conductive film therebetween, wherein an auxiliary conductive portion electrically connecting the pixel electrodes to the conductive film is further provided.