Array Substrate Dummy Electrode Layout for Edge Light Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

TFT-LCD panels face issues with light leakage at the edges due to static electricity accumulation, leading to electrostatic damage and suboptimal display effects, primarily because dummy pixel electrodes are not effectively connected to dummy thin film transistors, causing voltage imbalances and static electricity accumulation on data lines.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a dummy pixel area with dummy thin film transistors and pixel electrodes in the non-display area, where dummy pixel electrodes are electrically connected to a dummy common electrode structure, preventing voltage imbalances and providing a path for static electricity discharge through dummy capacitors formed by overlapping drain electrodes and pixel electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If dummy pixel electrodes are not connected to dummy thin film transistors, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but static electricity accumulates causing light leakage and electrostatic damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidelectrostatic damage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A dummy common electrode structure is introduced as an intermediary component between dummy pixel electrodes and the data lines. This dummy common electrode structure includes a dummy common electrode and a dummy common electrode line, providing a safe discharge path for static electricity without requiring complex connections to dummy thin film transistors, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and electrostatic protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If dummy pixel electrodes are floating relative to drain electrodes, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage imbalances occur causing light leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedummy pixel unit structure complexityVSAvoidvoltage balance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The dummy pixel electrodes are connected to the dummy common electrode structure, establishing an equipotential reference for all dummy pixel electrodes. This ensures they maintain the same voltage potential (0V), preventing voltage imbalances and light leakage while keeping the structure simple without requiring individual transistor connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Reliability

If dummy pixel electrodes are connected to dummy common electrode structure, then static electricity discharge is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic electricity discharge capabilityVSAvoiddummy common electrode structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dummy common electrode structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a discharge path for static electricity, establishes a common voltage reference for all dummy pixel electrodes, and simplifies manufacturing by using a unified structure rather than individual connections. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between reliability improvement and complexity increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration ensures that dummy pixel units maintain a 0V voltage, preventing liquid crystal electric fields and light leakage, while effectively discharging static electricity, thereby enhancing the display effect and reducing electrostatic damage to pixel electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

dummy pixel electrodes are electrically connected to a dummy common electrode structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

providing a path for static electricity discharge through dummy capacitors formed by overlapping drain electrodes and pixel electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

ensures that dummy pixel units maintain a 0V voltage, preventing liquid crystal electric fields and light leakage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS11940700B2Array substrate, display panel and display device

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an array substrate, a display panel, and a display device. The array substrate comprises a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; wherein: the display area includes gate lines and data lines, and a plurality of pixel units defined by the intersections of gate lines and data lines, each of the pixel units including a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode electrically connected to a drain electrode of the thin film transistor; the non-display area includes a plurality of dummy pixel units arranged around the display area, each of the dummy pixel units including a dummy thin film transistor and a dummy pixel electrode floating relative to a drain electrode of the dummy thin film transistor; the non-display area further includes a dummy common electrode structure electrically connected to at least some of the dummy pixel units.