Array Substrate with Opposite-Side Sensing and Switching Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display apparatuses face challenges in integrating a fingerprint identification function without interfering with their primary display functionality and in optimizing light utilization efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An array substrate with sensing elements on one side and switching devices on the opposite side, including thin film transistors, via holes for electrical connections, and a metal lead for energy storage, allowing for efficient fingerprint identification and improved light utilization by converting unused light into electrical signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If sensing elements and switching devices are integrated on the same side of the base substrate, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to process interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates sensing elements and switching devices onto opposite sides of the base substrate, utilizing the third dimension (substrate thickness) to resolve spatial conflict. This dimensional separation allows both components to be manufactured independently without process interference, while maintaining functional integration through vertical alignment and electrical connections via via holes.

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

2Measurement precision

If via holes are made smaller to improve fingerprint identification accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefingerprint identification accuracyVSAvoidvia hole fabrication difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes via hole parameters (diameter and spacing) to balance fingerprint identification accuracy with manufacturing feasibility. By carefully selecting via hole dimensions and spacing within specific ranges, the design achieves sufficient resolution for fingerprint recognition while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the array substrate is used solely for display, then display functionality is optimized, but energy utilization deteriorates due to unused light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay performanceVSAvoidlight utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the array substrate to perform multiple functions: display function through switching devices controlling pixels, and energy harvesting function through sensing elements that convert light into electrical signals. This multi-functionality allows the same substrate structure to both display information and capture unused light energy, reducing overall energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts previously wasted light (a harmful loss) into useful electrical energy through the sensing elements. By positioning sensing elements to capture light that would otherwise be lost during display operation, the system transforms energy waste into a beneficial power source for fingerprint identification or other functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enables seamless integration of fingerprint identification into display apparatuses with reduced manufacturing interference and enhanced light utilization efficiency, facilitating accurate fingerprint recognition and energy storage.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of sensing elements disposed on a first side of the base substrate and each configured to convert at least one of a light signal and an acoustic wave signal into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of sensing elements disposed on a first side of the base substrate and each configured to convert at least one of a light signal and an acoustic wave signal into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave to electrical signal conversion: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Data Source

PatentUS11256891B2Array substrate, method of manufacturing array substrate, and display apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.02.22 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US11256891B2 patent drawing
  • US11256891B2 patent drawing
  • US11256891B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An array substrate, a method of manufacturing the array substrate, and a display apparatus are disclosed. The array substrate includes: a base substrate; a plurality of sensing elements disposed on a first side of the base substrate and each configured to convert at least one of a light signal and an acoustic wave signal into an electrical signal; and a plurality of switching devices disposed on a second side of the base substrate opposite to the first side. The plurality of switching devices include a plurality of first switching elements, and each of the plurality of first switching elements is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of sensing elements to transmit the electrical signal.