Array Substrate TFT Layout for Static-Protected Signal Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in protecting signal lines from static electricity, which can lead to breakdown and affect the display quality, while existing solutions increase the load on the signal lines, impacting product yield.

Innovation Solution

An array substrate with an electrostatic protection device comprising a suspension Thin Film Transistor (TFT) where the source electrode is connected to a first signal line, the gate electrode is connected to a second signal line, and the drain electrode is suspended, forming an overlapping region with the gate electrode to create an electrostatic storage capacitor, reducing the load on the signal line and enhancing protection against static electricity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suspension protection capacitors are arranged on signal lines to prevent breakdown due to static electricity, then the signal line is protected against static electricity, but the load on the signal line increases and normal signal transmission is influenced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against static electricityVSAvoidload on signal line
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electrostatic protection function from the signal line by using a suspension TFT structure where the drain electrode is isolated and does not connect to the signal line. The protection capacitor is formed between the gate electrode and the suspended drain electrode, separating the protection function from the signal transmission path, thus preventing additional load on the signal line while maintaining electrostatic protection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If suspension protection capacitors are arranged on signal lines to prevent breakdown due to static electricity, then the signal line is protected against static electricity, but product yield is influenced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against static electricityVSAvoidproduct yield
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The protection function is extracted and implemented through suspension TFT structures that can be integrated into the existing pixel electrode structure without requiring separate protection components on the signal lines. This integration approach maintains protection capability while avoiding the additional complexity that would reduce manufacturing yield.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the data line is used as one of the electrodes of the suspension protection capacitor, then static electricity can be subjected to partial voltage storage, but the load of the data line increases and normal transmission of signal is influenced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity protectionVSAvoidload on data line
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a suspension TFT structure as an intermediary between the signal line and the protection capacitor. The drain electrode of the suspension TFT is suspended and forms one electrode of the protection capacitor, while the gate electrode connects to the signal line. This intermediary structure allows the protection capacitor to store electrostatic voltage without directly connecting to the data line, thus preventing additional load on the data line while maintaining protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively protects signal lines from static electricity without increasing the load, thereby improving product yield by transferring electrostatic charges into the storage capacitor and preventing breakdown, while allowing normal signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the drain electrode and the gate electrode have an overlapping region... the static electricity can be subjected to partial voltage storage by the suspension protection capacitor formed between the suspension electrode and the data line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3346327B1Array substrate and display component
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3346327B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3346327B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3346327B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed are an array substrate and a display device, which can achieve protection of a signal line against static electricity and meanwhile decrease a load on the signal line, so as to improve product yield. The array substrate includes a first signal line, a second signal line and an electrostatic protection device; wherein the electrostatic protection device includes a suspension Thin Film Transistor (TFT), a source electrode of the suspension TFT is connected with the first signal line, a gate electrode of the suspension TFT is connected with the second signal line, and a drain electrode of the suspension TFT is suspended; and wherein the drain electrode and the gate electrode have an overlapping region. The display device includes the above-mentioned array substrate.