Display Device Black Matrix Width Reduction via Common Electrode Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in display device manufacturing is the limitation on reducing the width of the black matrix in the non-display area due to the need for spaces for voltage lines and short-circuit points, which hinders the development of slim and lightweight display devices.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a display device structure where a common voltage line and a conductive layer are formed over a substrate, with column spacers acting as electrical connections to a common electrode on the opposing substrate, eliminating the need for a separate short-circuit point and allowing for a reduced width black matrix, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If spaces are allocated for common voltage line, gate lines, and short-circuit points in the non-display area, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but the width of the black matrix cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of the short-circuit point with the common electrode structure. The common electrode is extended into the non-display area to directly contact the common voltage line, eliminating the need for a separate short-circuit point. This integration allows the black matrix width to be reduced while maintaining electrical connectivity between the common voltage line and the common electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The common electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as both the common electrode for the display area and extends into the non-display area to provide the short-circuit function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated short-circuit structures, thereby reducing the required width of the black matrix while ensuring electrical connectivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate short-circuit point is formed between common voltage line and common electrode, then electrical connection is established, but manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the common electrode and short-circuit point into a single integrated structure. The common electrode material is continuously formed from the display area into the non-display area, where it directly contacts the common voltage line. This eliminates the need for separate short-circuit point formation processes, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The common electrode is formed in advance to extend into the non-display area before the final assembly steps. This preliminary extension ensures that the electrical connection path is already established during the electrode formation process itself, eliminating the need for subsequent separate short-circuit point creation steps and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate opposing each other. One of the first and second substrates includes a display surface. The display device further includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the display device. The display device includes a common voltage line formed in the non-display area and over the first substrate, at least one column spacer formed over the common voltage line, a conductive layer formed over the first substrate to cover the column spacer and electrically connected to the common voltage line, a common electrode formed over the second substrate and electrically connected to the conductive layer, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.