Display Device Frame Area Reduction via Contact Hole Conductive Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices, particularly in mobile terminals, face challenges in reducing the frame area around the display area to achieve further downsizing and thinning.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a design with pixel circuits, insulating films, pixel electrodes, an organic light emitting layer, and a transparent conductive film, where contact holes are strategically formed to allow continuous conductive films from the display area to the frame area, reducing the frame area by ensuring proper contact and minimizing voids and resistance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the frame area is reduced to downsize the display device, then the overall device size decreases, but the risk of voids and disconnections in the conductive film increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive film structure is segmented into multiple layers: a first conductive film in the frame area, a second conductive film in the display area, and a third conductive film connecting them. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and provides multiple pathways for electrical connection, reducing the risk of complete disconnection if one pathway fails.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the conductive film structure have different properties: the first conductive film in the frame area has higher thickness and different material composition compared to the second conductive film in the display area. This local quality optimization ensures adequate conductivity and mechanical strength in the frame area while maintaining transparency and flexibility in the display area.
2Area of stationary object
If the frame area is reduced, then the device achieves further thinning and downsizing, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional planar connection to a three-dimensional multi-layer structure. By adding the vertical dimension with multiple conductive film layers at different heights, the patent creates redundant connection pathways that compensate for lateral alignment variations, reducing the stringency of in-plane positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The third conductive film is positioned to overlap with both the first and second conductive films, creating a nested configuration where the connecting layer is embedded between the frame and display area layers. This nesting provides mechanical tolerance and ensures electrical connection even with manufacturing variations.
3Reliability
If contact holes are continuously arranged from the display area to the frame area, then the conductive film contact is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection function from the pixel circuit layer and places it in a separate conductive film system with dedicated contact holes. By separating the electrical connection function into a distinct structural system rather than integrating it into the pixel circuits, the complexity of each individual system is reduced while maintaining reliable connections.
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 design effectively reduces the frame area, enhances reliability by preventing voids and disconnections, and maintains high visibility and response speed, making the display device more suitable for mobile terminals.
Implementation Method 1
an organic layer arranged on the pixel electrodes, and including a light emitting layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes contact holes opened in an insulating film outside of a display area in which pixels are arranged, and having a conductive film exposed in bottom portions, a first metal film formed to cover the contact holes and come in contact with the conductive film of the bottom portions, and a transparent conductive film formed on the first metal film.