Array Substrate Signal Line Leads for Electrostatic Charge Dispersal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The non-display areas of array substrates in display devices accumulate static charge, which can be transferred to the display area, causing electrostatic shock and damage to electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

The array substrate design includes signal line leads with a first block that disperses electrostatic charge, connected to the lead body, and optionally a second block in a different layer, along with electrostatic discharge lines and protection circuits to manage static charge, reducing the risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signal line leads are arranged in the non-display area to connect to signal lines in the display area, then electrical connection is achieved, but static charge accumulates and can be transferred to the display area causing electrostatic shock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidelectrostatic shock damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An electrostatic protection circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the signal line lead and the signal line. This protection circuit acts as a mediator that allows normal electrical connection while blocking or dissipating electrostatic charge, thus preventing electrostatic shock from reaching the display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrostatic protection circuit converts the harmful electrostatic charge into a beneficial protective mechanism. By detecting and safely dissipating static charge through controlled discharge paths, the circuit transforms a potential damage source into a protective feature that enhances overall system reliability.

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

2Reliability

If electrostatic protection circuits are added to manage static charge, then electrostatic shock damage is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against electrostatic shockVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of implementing comprehensive protection throughout the entire device, the electrostatic protection circuits are strategically placed only in the non-display area where signal line leads enter. This localized approach provides necessary protection while minimizing the addition of complex components to the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrostatic protection circuit performs multiple functions: it provides electrostatic discharge protection, maintains electrical connection integrity, and allows normal signal transmission. By combining these functions into a single integrated component, the circuit reduces overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive protection.

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

The design effectively disperses electrostatic charge and reduces the probability of damage from electrostatic shock by integrating charge management features into the signal line leads and electrostatic discharge lines, enhancing the reliability of display devices.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the signal line leads comprises a lead body and a first block connected to the lead body... The first block... has an area greater than or equal to an area of a square with a side length that is 5 times a width of the signal line... effectively disperses electrostatic charge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge dispersal: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3712874B1Array substrate, display panel and display device
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3712874B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3712874B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3712874B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An array substrate includes a display area, a non-display area other than the display area, a plurality of signal lines located in the display area, and a plurality of signal line leads located in the non-display area and connected to respective ones of the plurality of signal lines. Each of the signal line leads includes a lead body and a first block connected to the lead body, and the first block has an area greater than or equal to an area of a square with a side length that is 5 times a width of the signal line.