Display Detection Line Meander Structure for Crack Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices face issues such as disconnection or short circuits during fabrication, which can lead to pixel defects, and existing inspection methods are not effective in detecting damage in interconnection structures.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a detection line system that measures electrical resistance to identify cracks in the interconnection structure, featuring a meander-shaped detection line and multiple contact holes of varying sizes to enhance durability and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inspection or test process is performed to filter disconnection or short circuit problems, then pixel defects are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel defect rateVSAvoidinspection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection line is integrated into the interconnection structure during the fabrication process itself, performing inspection functions before the device is completed. This preliminary action allows defects to be detected early in manufacturing without requiring separate complex inspection processes later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection line serves multiple functions: it acts as both an interconnection structure for signal transmission and an inspection structure for detecting cracks or disconnections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated inspection structures, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If detection line is integrated into interconnection structure, then crack detection capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrack detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection line fabrication precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection line uses electrical resistance as a detection parameter, where any crack or disconnection causes a measurable change in resistance. This parameter-based detection method provides high sensitivity for crack detection while using standard fabrication techniques, avoiding the need for ultra-precise manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The detection line acts as an intermediary element that translates physical damage (cracks, disconnections) into electrical signals (resistance changes) that can be easily measured. This intermediary function enables high detection precision without requiring equally high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If meander-shaped detection line is used, then detection coverage is improved, but line length and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoiddetection line structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection line transitions from a simple linear path to a meander pattern that utilizes two-dimensional space more effectively. This dimensional change allows the detection line to cover a larger area by extending in multiple directions rather than following a single straight path, increasing detection coverage without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

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

The solution effectively detects cracks and improves the durability of display devices by preventing damage to interconnection structures, thereby reducing the occurrence of pixel defects and enhancing overall device reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the detection line may be connected or connectable to a detection circuit which may be configured to measure electrical resistance of the detection line and then to examine or determine based on the measurement result whether or not there is a damage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3419065B1Display device
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3419065B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3419065B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3419065B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A display panel may include a detection line (CDL) overlapped with a non-display region, detection pads (PD1, PD2) connected to the detection line, and an input line (SL1) connecting an input pad of the detection pads to the detection line. The detection line may include a first portion (CDL1), which is provided at a level different from a level of the input line and includes an end connected to the input line through a first contact hole (CD-CH1) in a first contact region, and a second portion (CDL2), which is provided at a level different from the level of the first portion and is connected to the first portion through a second contact hole (CD-CH2) in a second contact region. A distance between the first and second portions in a non-contact region may be less than a distance between the first contact hole and the second portion.