Dual-Layer Gate Electrode LCD Narrow Bezel Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

As LCD devices increase in size and resolution, the amount of wiring required for control becomes cumbersome, making it difficult to achieve a narrow-bezel display due to the larger non-display area occupied by wiring, which increases manufacturing costs and complicates control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dual-layer gate electrode and pixel electrode structure, along with a dual-layer contact system, allows for reduced wiring area by using polycrystalline indium tin oxide for the pixel electrode and amorphous ITO for the first-layer gate electrode, and a single-mask process to form the source, drain, and pixel electrodes, thereby minimizing the non-display area and lowering manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the size and resolution of the LCD device are increased, then the display quality is improved, but the area of wiring in the non-display area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidwiring area in non-display area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-layer electrode structure to a dual-layer electrode structure, where the first electrode layer includes pixel electrodes and the second electrode layer includes gate electrodes. This dimensional change in the electrode architecture allows for more efficient space utilization and reduced wiring area in the non-display region while maintaining high display resolution.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the electrode structure into multiple layers with distinct functions. The first electrode layer is dedicated to pixel electrodes for display control, while the second electrode layer handles gate electrodes for switching control. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer, reducing the overall wiring area required in the non-display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If sophisticated control mechanisms are implemented, then the control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing control functions across multiple electrode layers rather than within a single complex planar layout, the patent achieves sophisticated control capability while distributing the complexity across vertical dimensions. The dual-layer structure allows independent routing and control of pixel and gate electrodes, simplifying the overall control architecture.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate electrode structures and connection patterns that mediate between the control signals and the pixel elements. The multi-layer electrode arrangement acts as an intermediary system that simplifies signal distribution and reduces the complexity of direct wiring connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the non-display area is reduced to achieve narrow bezel, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-display areaVSAvoidelectrode alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the challenge of reduced non-display area by moving control functions to multiple vertical layers. This dimensional transition allows for adequate spacing and alignment margins within each layer while achieving a narrow overall bezel, thereby reducing the stringent precision requirements that would otherwise be necessary in a compressed single-layer design.

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

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the electrode functions into separate layers, the patent creates independent fabrication zones that can be manufactured and aligned with standard precision tolerances. Each layer can be optimized independently, reducing the cumulative precision requirements that would arise from attempting to fit all functions into a compressed single-layer structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple mask processes are used for electrode formation, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode pattern precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrode pattern formation steps into integrated process sequences. By designing the dual-layer electrode structure to share common process steps and alignment references, the patent reduces the total number of separate mask processes required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the precision benefits of multi-layer construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10310340B2Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US10310340B2 patent drawing
  • US10310340B2 patent drawing
  • US10310340B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an LCD device includes: a first substrate including a display area and a non-display area disposed outside of the display area; a gate electrode disposed on the first substrate and including a first-layer gate electrode and a second-layer gate electrode disposed on the first-layer gate electrode; a pixel electrode disposed on the same layer as the first-layer gate electrode; a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed on the gate electrode to be spaced from each other; and a contact connecting the drain electrode and the pixel electrode and including a first-layer contact, which is disposed on the same layer as the pixel electrode, and a second-layer contact, which is disposed on the first-layer contact.