Display Substrate ESD Layout With Layered Capacitive Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices, such as LCDs, are prone to static electricity generation during production and application, which affects signal line transmission and can lead to signal deviations and breakage, compromising the stability and normal operation of the device.

Innovation Solution

A display substrate with a peripheral region containing signal lines and an electrostatic discharge structure that includes multiple patterns and capacitors to discharge static electricity, ensuring stable signal transmission by storing and releasing static charges effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrostatic discharge structures are added to protect signal lines, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal line stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by stacking electrostatic discharge patterns in multiple layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) vertically above the base substrate. This multi-layer configuration allows the electrostatic discharge structure to protect signal lines from static electricity in three-dimensional space without occupying additional planar area, thus improving reliability while controlling device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing the second electrostatic discharge pattern within the projection area of the first electrostatic discharge pattern, and the third electrostatic discharge pattern within the projection area of the second pattern. This nested arrangement creates a compact, concentrated electrostatic discharge structure that protects signal lines efficiently without expanding the overall device footprint, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If multiple electrostatic discharge patterns are stacked in different layers, then electrostatic discharge effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic discharge effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar to three-dimensional manufacturing by stacking electrostatic discharge patterns in multiple vertical layers. Each layer is formed using standard thin-film deposition and patterning techniques, but the vertical stacking architecture improves electrostatic discharge effectiveness by creating multiple discharge pathways and increasing the protected volume around signal lines, while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the electrostatic discharge structure into multiple segmented layers (first, second, and third electrostatic discharge patterns in different layers), each separated by insulating layers. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured independently using standard photolithography and deposition steps, making the complex multi-layer structure manufacturable through sequential processing rather than requiring a single complex fabrication step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If electrostatic discharge structures are placed close to signal lines, then protection effectiveness is improved, but risk of interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces insulating layers (first insulating layer, second insulating layer) as intermediaries between adjacent electrostatic discharge patterns and between patterns and signal lines. These insulating layers act as mediators that electrically isolate the conductive electrostatic discharge structures from each other and from signal lines, preventing harmful electrical interference while maintaining close physical proximity for effective electrostatic discharge protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses vertical stacking to achieve close proximity for protection while maintaining horizontal separation. The electrostatic discharge patterns are positioned in different vertical layers (z-dimension) rather than adjacent in the same plane, allowing them to be close enough for effective electrostatic field interaction while the vertical separation and insulating layers prevent direct electrical contact and interference between structures.

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 electrostatic discharge structure effectively prevents static electricity accumulation on signal lines, ensuring stable and accurate signal transmission and improved operational stability of the display device.

Implementation Method 1

a first insulating layer is arranged between the second electrostatic discharge pattern and the first electrostatic discharge pattern, so as to insulate the first electrostatic discharge pattern from the second electrostatic discharge pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

at least one electrostatic discharge structure for performing electrostatic discharge on the signal lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 3

an orthogonal projection of the second electrostatic discharge pattern on a base substrate of the display substrate at least partially overlaps an orthogonal projection of the first electrostatic discharge pattern on the base substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3789820B1Display substrate and display device
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3789820B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3789820B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3789820B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a display substrate and a display device. A display substrate provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a display region and a peripheral region surrounding the display region; the display region includes: a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixel units, and each of the plurality of pixel units includes a driving transistor and a pixel electrode that are connected to each other; the peripheral region includes: signal lines and at least one electrostatic discharge structure for performing electrostatic discharge on the signal lines.