Display Device Conductive Pad Extension Between Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display device technologies face challenges in achieving reliable electrical connections due to the limited contact area between conductive pads and patterned electrode layers, which can lead to inconsistent connections and potential short circuits.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a display device design where conductive pads extend into the space between two substrates, with a spacer layer defining a gap that accommodates these pads, increasing the contact area and ensuring stable electrical connections. This design includes first and second conductive pads connecting leads and a spacer layer, and a conductive adhesive layer for connecting the external circuit board, optimizing the electrical connection between leads and patterned electrode layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive pads are formed on the side of the display panel to connect external circuit board, then electrical connection is achieved, but the contact area between conductive pads and patterned electrode layer is limited leading to inconsistent connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidcontact area between conductive pads and patterned electrode layer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive pads are extended from the traditional planar configuration on the side surface into the space between the two substrates in the thickness direction. This three-dimensional extension increases the contact area between conductive pads and patterned electrode layer, improving electrical connection reliability without increasing the lateral footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive pads are nested within the gap defined by the spacer layer between the first and second substrates. This nesting arrangement allows the conductive pads to extend into the available space, maximizing the contact area with the patterned electrode layer while maintaining the slim profile of the display device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If conductive pads extend into the space between substrates to increase contact area, then electrical connection reliability improves, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer layer serves multiple functions: it defines the gap between substrates, provides a structural framework for accommodating conductive pads, and maintains the lateral spacing between substrates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall structure despite the three-dimensional conductive pad configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive pads merge with the spacer layer structure, where the spacer layer not only maintains substrate spacing but also defines the accommodation space for conductive pads. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conductive pads are extended to increase contact area, then electrical connection stability improves, but material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive pads extend partially into the space between substrates, specifically to the extent needed to achieve reliable electrical connection. The extension is controlled by the spacer layer thickness, ensuring sufficient contact area without excessive material usage. This partial extension optimizes the balance between connection reliability and material efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 configuration enhances the electrical connection reliability by increasing the contact area between conductive pads and patterned electrode layers, reducing material waste, and preventing short circuits, thereby ensuring the performance and stability of the display device.

Implementation Method 1

The conductive adhesive layer is disposed at the side of the display panel and covers the first conductive pads and the second conductive pads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11428996B2Display device

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel, first and second conductive pads, a conductive adhesive layer and a circuit board. First and second leads are on a first substrate of the display panel and extended to be exposed at a side. A patterned electrode layer is on a second substrate of the display panel and partially exposed at the side. A spacer layer is on the first substrate and covers the first and second leads. A thickness of the spacer layer on the first lead is smaller than a thickness of the remaining part of the spacer layer. The first and second conductive pads are at the side of the display panel. The first conductive pads are extended to a space between the patterned electrode layer and the spacer layer on the first leads. The second conductive pads are connected to the second leads and the spacer layer thereon.