Display Signal Line Repair Module Automatic Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies face inefficiencies and high costs in repairing disconnected signal lines, requiring manual operations and factory returns, which affect display quality and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus with a signal line repair module that includes connection switches and shift units to automatically repair disconnected signal lines without manual laser sintering, enabling on-site repairs and maintaining display functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual laser sintering is used to physically connect disconnected signal lines to reserved signal lines, then the display can display normally, but the repair process is cumbersome, costly, and inefficient requiring factory return

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidrepair efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring repair signal lines and connection switches during the manufacturing process, before any disconnection occurs. The repair signal lines are reserved alongside normal signal lines, and connection switches are pre-installed to enable automatic switching between normal and repair modes. This allows the display to be repaired in-situ without factory return, resolving the contradiction between maintaining display functionality and improving repair efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through an automatic repair mechanism that detects signal line disconnections and activates corresponding connection switches to route signals through repair signal lines. The system automatically identifies which connection switch to activate based on the disconnection location, eliminating the need for manual laser sintering operations and enabling the display to repair itself without external intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual laser sintering is used to repair disconnected signal lines, then the display can display normally, but the process requires factory return and manual operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidrepair operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through an automatic repair mechanism that detects signal line disconnections and activates corresponding connection switches to route signals through repair signal lines. The system automatically identifies which connection switch to activate based on the disconnection location, eliminating the need for manual laser sintering operations and enabling the display to repair itself without external intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses connection switches as intermediaries to bridge the gap between disconnected signal lines and repair signal lines. These switches act as mediators that automatically redirect signal flow when a disconnection is detected, replacing the need for manual physical connection operations and simplifying the repair process to an automatic electrical switching operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If manual laser sintering is used to physically connect signal lines, then disconnected lines can be repaired, but the cost is high and accuracy may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal line repairVSAvoidconnection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical laser sintering process with an electrical switching mechanism. Instead of using laser energy to physically fuse conductive materials, the system uses connection switches to electrically connect repair signal lines to disconnected signal lines. This substitution eliminates the precision requirements and costs associated with manual laser operations while maintaining reliable electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of repair

If factory return is required for signal line repair, then proper repair can be performed, but time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepair qualityVSAvoidrepair time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring repair signal lines and connection switches during the manufacturing process, before any disconnection occurs. The repair signal lines are reserved alongside normal signal lines, and connection switches are pre-installed to enable automatic switching between normal and repair modes. This allows the display to be repaired in-situ without factory return, resolving the contradiction between maintaining display functionality and improving repair efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4083988B1Display apparatus, drive chip and electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4083988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4083988B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4083988B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a display apparatus, a drive chip, and an electronic device. A plurality of connection switches (12) in a connection switch group in a signal line repair module (10) of the display apparatus are disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of signal lines (DL). Input ends of the connection switches (12) in the same connection switch group are electrically connected to corresponding signal lines (DL), and output ends thereof are electrically connected to one corresponding repair line (DUM). The plurality of connection switches (12) in each connection switch group are disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of stages of first shift units (11). When determining that a disconnected signal line (DL) exists, a drive chip (30) sends a control signal to the signal line repair module (10), so that a shift output end (OUT) of a first shift unit (11) corresponding to the disconnected signal line (DL) outputs an enable signal, so as to control a corresponding connection switch (12) in a connection switch group to be turned on, to enable the disconnected signal line (DL) to be electrically connected to a repair line (DUM). The display apparatus may repair a disconnected signal line without being returned to a factory and a manual operation.