Electro-optical Panel Terminal Inspection via Light-Shielding Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for electrically connecting liquid crystal panels and flexible substrates using anisotropic conductive films (ACF) face challenges with plastic balls as conductive particles, as they are prone to breakage during pressure bonding, making it difficult to visually inspect the connection reliability without displaying the connection marks, thus lacking a straightforward method to check electrical connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The electro-optical device configuration includes terminal portions on the liquid crystal panel and circuit substrates with specific terminal arrangements and connection wiring patterns that allow for electrical connection and inspection through external terminals, enabling the detection of connection reliability without direct contact with the display region and even when a contact-avoiding layer is not present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plastic balls are used as conductive particles in ACF, then the elastic body characteristics improve connection flexibility, but the particle marks are not formed during pressing making inspection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-shielding film as an intermediary layer between the liquid crystal panel and the flexible substrate. This film has light-transmitting portions aligned with the connection terminals, allowing optical inspection of electrical connections without interfering with the elastic plastic ball conductive particles in the ACF
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical properties by making the light-shielding film transparent at specific locations to reveal particle marks or connection states. The light-transmitting portions allow light to pass through to detect whether conductive particles have properly connected the terminals, converting an invisible electrical connection into a visible optical signal
2Reliability
If connection terminals are pressed with ACF to achieve electrical connection, then the electrical connectivity is improved, but the method of checking connection reliability becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding film serves as a mediator that simplifies inspection by providing direct visual access to connection terminal states through its light-transmitting portions, eliminating the need for complex electrical testing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical inspection methods with a simpler optical inspection system. By using light transmission through the light-shielding film, the connection reliability can be visually confirmed without requiring electrical testers or complex measurement equipment
3Area of stationary object
If terminal portions are arranged adjacent to each other to save space, then the device size is reduced, but the wiring complexity increases to avoid contact with display region wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves wiring conflicts by utilizing the vertical dimension with multiple wiring layers. Connection wirings are routed through different layers (first interlayer insulating film, second interlayer insulating film) to connect adjacent terminal portions without interfering with display region wiring in the horizontal plane
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wiring into multiple separate layers and paths. Different connection wirings are placed in different interlayer insulating films, allowing independent routing of signals between adjacent terminals without cross-interference, thus managing wiring complexity in compact layouts
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 configuration allows for reliable electrical connection inspection between the liquid crystal panel and circuit substrates, ensuring high electrical reliability and cost-effective connection checks, even with different linear expansion coefficients causing warpage issues.
Implementation Method 1
pressing the connection terminals with Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF) interposed therebetween so as to electrically connect conductive particles configuring the ACF and connection terminals by contact
Implementation Method 2
for example, plastic balls plated with metal using the characteristics of an elastic body are used as a material for the conductive particles
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an electro-optical device including: an electro-optical panel including a first terminal portion having a first terminal and a second terminal and a second terminal portion having a third terminal and a fourth terminal, the first and the fourth terminal being electrically connected through a first connection wiring, the second and the third terminal being electrically connected through a second connection wiring; a first circuit substrate having a first external terminal connected to the first terminal and a second external terminal connected to the second terminal through a first connection terminal portion respectively; and a second circuit substrate having a third external terminal connected to the third terminal and a fourth external terminal connected to the fourth terminal through a second connection terminal portion respectively.