Array Substrate Reinforcing Layer for Bendable AMOLED Metal Trace Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the production of ultra-slim bottom border designs for AMOLED display panels, the bending process often causes metal traces to deform and crack due to stress, leading to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
An array substrate with a reinforcing layer disposed on the planarization structure layer in the bendable region, utilizing materials with high modulus of elasticity such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, or silicon oxide nanowires, and a laminated metal trace structure of titanium-aluminum-titanium to reduce stress and prevent cracking during bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a flexible substrate is used to achieve ultra-slim bottom border design, then the display panel can be bent to achieve slim border, but the metal traces in the bending area are deformed and crack due to stress during bending process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural configurations to different regions of the display panel. Specifically, the first and second pixel electrodes are positioned at different distances from the bending region, with the first pixel electrode closer to the bending region having a smaller area than the second pixel electrode. This local differentiation optimizes stress distribution in the critical bending area while maintaining display performance in non-bending areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of the pixel electrodes based on their position relative to the bending region. The area of pixel electrodes is adjusted as a function of distance from the bending region, creating a gradient structure that adapts to the stress conditions. This parameter variation allows the structure to accommodate bending stresses while maintaining electrical functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If the metal trace structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production cost decreases, but the metal trace becomes more susceptible to cracking during bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite electrode structure consisting of multiple materials with different properties. The pixel electrodes are formed using a combination of transparent conductive materials and reflective materials, creating a composite structure that leverages the electrical conductivity of one material and the mechanical strength and reflectivity of another. This composite approach enhances overall trace strength while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces curved or rounded features in the metal trace geometry, particularly in the pixel electrode shapes. Instead of sharp corners and straight lines, the electrodes incorporate curved boundaries that follow arcs or circular segments. This curvature eliminates stress concentration points that would otherwise form at sharp corners during bending, significantly reducing crack initiation while adding minimal manufacturing complexity.
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
The solution effectively reduces metal trace cracking and deformation by bringing the neutral surface close to the metal trace, enhancing the structural integrity and reliability of the metal traces during the bending process.
Implementation Method 1
the reinforcing layer is disposed on the planarization structure layer in the bendable region, so that stresses in the bendable region during bending process can be reduced, and the metal trace crack can be avoided
Implementation Method 2
The structure of the metal trace is a laminated structure of titanium-aluminum-titanium, which can reinforce strength of the metal trace, and the metal trace deformation during bending process can be avoided
Data Source
AI summary
An array substrate and a display device having the array substrate are disclosed. The array substrate includes a display area, a non-display area, a metal trace, a planarization structure layer, and a reinforcing layer. The non-display area includes a bendable region connected to the display area. The metal trace extends from the display area to the bendable region. The planarization structure layer covers the metal trace in the display area and the bendable region. The reinforcing layer is disposed on the planarization structure layer in the bendable region. In the array substrate and the display device with the array substrate of the invention, a water and oxygen barrier layer is only disposed in the display area, and functional layers are provided, therefore stresses during bending process can be reduced, and metal trace crack can be avoided.