Display Panel Outer Dummy Traces for Etching Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch display devices face challenges in achieving uniform etching of metal film layers during fabrication, leading to reduced touch performance due to uneven distribution of metal wires in the non-display area, resulting in non-uniformity and blank areas around the display area.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a display panel design that includes a touch electrode layer, signal lines, and outer dummy traces in the non-display area, which are separated from each other, facilitating even distribution of metal wires and improving etching uniformity by arranging outer dummy traces between signal lines and the outer border of the non-display area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signal lines are densely arranged in the non-display area to improve electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is improved, but metal wire distribution becomes non-uniform causing etching non-uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidetching uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different metal wire density zones: the first area (near display area) has higher wire density for electrical connection, while the second area (outer non-display area) has lower wire density to prevent non-uniformity. This spatial variation in wire distribution resolves the contradiction between ensuring electrical connectivity and maintaining etching uniformity across the substrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If metal wires are concentrated near the display area to reduce resistance, then electrical conductivity is improved, but blank areas appear in the non-display area causing non-uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidmetal wire distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the non-display area into two distinct zones: a first area adjacent to the display area containing signal lines for electrical connection, and a second area (outer non-display area) with outer dummy traces. This segmentation allows concentrated wiring where needed while distributing wires evenly across the entire substrate to maintain composition uniformity and prevent blank areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If outer dummy traces are added to improve etching uniformity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveetching uniformityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer dummy traces in the second area serve multiple functions: they act as etching references to improve manufacturing precision, provide mechanical support to prevent substrate deformation, and maintain metal wire distribution uniformity. By making these structures multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved etching uniformity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS12260042B2Display panel, display device and method for fabricating the display panel
Publication Date: 2025.03.25 CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
  • US12260042B2 patent drawing
  • US12260042B2 patent drawing
  • US12260042B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of this disclosure disclose a display panel and a display device including the display panel. The display panel includes: a base substrate, the base substrate including a display area and a non-display area around the display area; a touch electrode layer on the base substrate, the touch electrode layer being within the display area of the base substrate; and a plurality of signal lines electrically connected with the touch electrode layer, the plurality of signal lines being distributed within a first area of the non-display area. The display panel further includes at least one outer dummy trace within a second area of the non-display area, the second area is between the first area and an outer border of the non-display area, and the at least one outer dummy trace and the plurality of signal lines are separated from each other.