Display Edge Crack Detection Circuit With Static Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices face challenges in maintaining reliability due to potential cracks in the encapsulating layer, which can lead to performance degradation and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a crack detecting circuit and antistatic circuit in the non-display area of the display device, with the antistatic circuit spaced apart from the encapsulating layer and connected to the crack detecting circuit, enhancing the detection and prevention of cracks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a crack detecting circuit is added to detect cracks in the encapsulating layer, then measurement precision of cracks is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrack detection precisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crack detecting circuit is segmented into a crack detecting line separate from the data driver, allowing independent optimization of detection functionality while maintaining modular integration in the non-display area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An antistatic circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the crack detecting circuit and the encapsulating layer, serving as a protective mediator that prevents static electricity from damaging the detection system while enabling continuous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the antistatic circuit is positioned close to the encapsulating layer for effective protection, then reliability is improved, but the risk of static electricity damage to the antistatic circuit itself increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective effectivenessVSAvoidstatic electricity damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antistatic circuit is positioned in advance to provide protective cushioning against static electricity, creating a protective zone that dissipates static charges before they can reach and damage the encapsulating layer or crack detecting circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The antistatic circuit serves as an intermediary protective layer that absorbs and dissipates static electricity, mediating between external harmful static charges and the sensitive internal components (encapsulating layer and crack detecting circuit)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the crack detecting line extends along the edge of the display area to maximize crack detection coverage, then measurement precision is improved, but the likelihood of static electricity generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrack detection coverageVSAvoidstatic electricity generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antistatic circuit acts as an intermediary protective measure that neutralizes static electricity generated by the crack detecting line's contact with the encapsulating layer, enabling the line to maintain its extensive edge-following path for maximum detection coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The static electricity that would normally be harmful is converted into a beneficial protective mechanism through the antistatic circuit, which uses the generated static charges to create a protective electrostatic field that prevents more damaging charge accumulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP4629221A1Display device and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4629221A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4629221A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4629221A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A display device includes: a substrate having a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; a plurality of pixels on the substrate, and each of which comprises a transistor and a light emitting element connected to the transistor; an encapsulating layer covering the pixels and having an end defined in the non-display area; a crack detecting circuit in the non-display area along at least a portion of an edge of the display area, and comprising one end and the other end; and an antistatic circuit in the non-display area and connected to the crack detecting circuit, wherein the antistatic circuit is spaced apart from the end of the encapsulating layer in a plan view.