Array Substrate Structure with Buried Data Lines for Higher Aperture

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Solution Overview

Problem

The aperture rate of conventional liquid crystal display panels is limited due to the presence of Data BM less (DBS) electrodes, which occupy pixel space and reduce the effective display area.

Innovation Solution

The data lines are arranged below the pixel electrodes, allowing for the removal of DBS electrodes and expanding the pixel aperture, thereby increasing the sub-pixel area and improving the aperture rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If DBS electrodes are provided on data lines to replace BM for light shielding, then light leakage is prevented, but aperture rate is restricted from increasing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight leakageVSAvoidaperture rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves data lines from the upper layer (where they would block light and require DBS electrodes) to the lower layer beneath the pixel electrodes. This dimensional repositioning eliminates the need for DBS electrodes while maximizing the aperture area, as the data lines no longer occupy space that would otherwise be available for pixel electrodes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing DBS electrodes on top of data lines to block light (conventional approach), the patent inverts the structure by placing data lines at the bottom layer and using transparent pixel electrodes above them. This inversion eliminates the need for opaque DBS electrodes while maintaining light shielding functionality through the transparent electrode design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If data lines are arranged in conventional positions, then electrical connection is maintained, but aperture rate cannot be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidaperture rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions data lines to the lower layer (dimensional change) beneath the pixel electrodes, allowing pixel electrodes to extend fully across the aperture area. This spatial reconfiguration maintains all necessary electrical connections while maximizing the light-transmissive aperture area, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and aperture size.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4509912B1Array substrate and display panel
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 TCL CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4509912B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4509912B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4509912B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An array substrate and a display panel are provided. The array substrate includes a substrate, and at least three pixel unit. The pixel unit includes at least one pixel group and at least three data line groups disposed on the substrate. Each pixel group includes six sub-pixels arranged at intervals in a first direction. Each sub-pixel includes at least one pixel electrode. The at least three data line groups include three data line groups. Each data line group corresponds to a pixel electrode of one sub-pixel. The data line group is located on one side of the pixel electrode which is adjacent to the substrate. Each data line group includes two data lines arranged at intervals in the first direction. The pixel electrode of each sub-pixel is electrically connected to one data line.