Crack Detecting Line Structure for Flexible Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices are prone to moisture permeation due to cracks generated during manufacturing, which can cause functional issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a crack detecting line with portions above and below an insulating layer, connected through a contact hole, that extends along the edge of the display area and is connected to test signal lines to detect cracks by measuring voltage differences when test signals are applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible display devices are manufactured with thin and flexible structures, then adaptability and portability are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to cracks and moisture permeation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a crack detecting line structure with portions above and below the insulating layer, connected through contact holes, which is prepared in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary detection structure allows cracks to be identified before they cause moisture permeation and device failure, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The crack detecting line is divided into multiple portions (first portion above insulating layer, second portion below insulating layer) connected through contact holes. This segmentation allows the detection structure to span across potential crack paths without compromising the flexible display's overall flexibility.
2Reliability
If crack detection structures are added to flexible display devices, then reliability is improved through crack detection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crack detecting line is merged with the existing data line structure of the flexible display device. The crack detecting line shares the same layout and routing as the data line, and uses the same manufacturing processes, thereby adding detection capability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The data line serves dual functions: it transports data signals to pixel electrodes during normal operation, and it serves as a crack detecting line when test voltages are applied. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection structures, maintaining simplicity while enabling reliability monitoring.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional single-layer signal lines are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but crack detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The crack detecting line transitions from a conventional single-layer structure to a multi-layer structure with portions above and below the insulating layer. This dimensional change allows the detection line to span across cracks that might otherwise go undetected, enabling crack detection while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing precision.
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
Enables the detection of cracks in the display device, preventing moisture ingress and maintaining display functionality by identifying damage to the crack detecting lines and insulating layers.
Implementation Method 1
a crack detecting line disposed in the non-display area and connected to a first data line of the plurality of data lines. The crack detecting line includes a first portion disposed below an insulating layer and a second portion disposed above the insulating layer. The first portion and the second portion are connected with each other through a contact hole formed in the insulating layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a substrate including a display area and a non-display area disposed at a peripheral area of the display area. A plurality of pixels is disposed in the display area of the substrate. A plurality of signal lines is disposed on the substrate and is connected to the plurality of pixels. The plurality of signal lines include a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines disposed on the substrate. A crack detecting line is disposed in the non-display area and is connected to a first data line of the plurality of data lines. The crack detecting line includes a first portion disposed below an insulating layer and a second portion disposed above the insulating layer. The first portion and the second portion are connected with each other through a contact hole formed in the insulating layer.