Array Substrate Fanout Layout With Overlapping Lines for Narrow Bezel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display panel designs face challenges in reducing the lower frame width due to the significant area occupied by the fanout region, necessitating a reduction in pitch between fanout lines to increase the screen-to-body ratio.

Innovation Solution

An array substrate design with overlapping first and second fanout lines separated by insulating spacer layers, utilizing a light shielding layer in the same layer as the second fanout line to increase interlayer space and reduce capacitance, thereby allowing for a narrower frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the pitch between fanout lines is reduced to decrease the length of fanout region, then the area of fanout region is reduced, but the capacitance between fanout lines increases causing increased crosstalk and power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea of fanout regionVSAvoidcrosstalk and power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of fanout lines to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement with multiple layers. First and second fanout lines are positioned in different layers with their orthographic projections overlapping, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce in-plane pitch while maintaining electrical isolation through insulating spacer layers between layers.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating spacer layers are introduced as intermediary structures between the first and second fanout lines. These spacers physically separate the conductive lines in the vertical dimension, preventing direct electrical interaction and reducing capacitance-induced crosstalk while allowing the lines to occupy overlapping horizontal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If multiple fanout lines are arranged in the same layer, then the layout is simpler, but the pitch between lines must be large to avoid crosstalk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout complexityVSAvoidpitch between fanout lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the conflict between layout simplicity and pitch requirements by moving fanout lines from a single-layer planar arrangement to a multi-layer vertical arrangement. This allows lines to be positioned in different vertical layers with overlapping horizontal projections, effectively utilizing the Z-dimension to reduce in-plane pitch while maintaining electrical isolation.

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

3Length of stationary object

If the fanout region length in Y direction is reduced to narrow the lower frame, then the screen-to-body ratio increases, but the capacitance between closely spaced lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength of fanout region in Y directionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables reduction of fanout region length in the Y direction by implementing overlapping fanout lines in different vertical layers. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the horizontal projection of lines to overlap, effectively shortening the required length of the fanout region while maintaining acceptable capacitance levels through vertical separation via insulating spacers.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3893278B1Array substrate and manufacturing method therefor, and display device
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3893278B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3893278B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3893278B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

An array substrate includes: a base substrate (40); and a display region (10) in which a signal line is provided and a fanout region (20) provided on the base substrate, the fanout region (20) including a first fanout line layer in which a first fanout line (41a) is provided, a second fanout line layer in which a second fanout line (42a) is provided, and one or more spacer layers (55) between the first fanout line layer and the second fanout line layer; the signal line is connected to the first fanout line (41a) or the second fanout line (42a); and the spacer layers (55) are made of an insulating material; wherein an orthographic projection of the first fanout line (41a) on the base substrate (40) and an orthographic projection of the second fanout line (42a) on the base substrate (40) are at least partially overlapped with each other. A method of manufacturing an array substrate and a display device are also provided.