Multi-Layer Conductive Patterns for Display Device Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in increasing the thickness of conductive patterns while maintaining process simplicity, as higher thickness leads to decreased resistance but complicates manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a display device with a multi-layered conductive structure, including a first conductive layer with specific portions and a second conductive layer, along with an insulating pattern, to achieve increased thickness and improved resistance while simplifying the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the thickness of conductive patterns is increased, then resistance decreases, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive pattern is divided into multiple separate conductive patterns arranged in parallel. Each conductive pattern has a specific thickness, and collectively they achieve the desired total thickness. This segmentation allows standard manufacturing processes to be used for each layer while achieving the overall thickness requirement through multiple layers rather than a single thick layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing the thickness of a single conductive pattern in the vertical dimension, the patent uses multiple conductive patterns arranged in the horizontal plane (parallel arrangement). This dimensional transition from single-layer thickness to multi-layer parallel structure achieves equivalent electrical conductivity without requiring excessively thick individual layers that would be difficult to manufacture.

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

2Reliability

If the thickness of conductive patterns is increased, then resistance decreases, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresistanceVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive structure is segmented into multiple independent conductive patterns that can be formed using standard sequential deposition and etching processes. Each pattern is created in a separate layer, allowing the use of established manufacturing workflows without requiring complex single-step thick-film deposition processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from varying the thickness parameter of a single conductive pattern to varying the number of parallel conductive patterns. By adjusting the number of patterns and their individual thicknesses within standard ranges, the overall resistance is controlled without requiring process parameter changes that would increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4571470A1Electronic device, display device, and method of manufacturing the display device
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4571470A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4571470A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4571470A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A display device includes: a display panel comprising a plurality of light emitting areas; and an input sensing panel including: a first sensing insulating layer on the display panel; a second sensing insulating layer on the first sensing insulating layer and having a first opening and a contact hole; an insulating pattern; and a plurality of conductive patterns including a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, the first conductive layer includes: a first-first conductive portion in the first opening; and a first-second conductive portion exposed through the contact hole, the second conductive layer includes: a second-first conductive portion electrically connected to the first-first conductive portion; a second-second conductive portion electrically connected to the first-second conductive portion; and a second-third conductive portion spaced apart from the first conductive layer in a plan view, and the insulating pattern is on the second-first conductive portion and in the first opening.