ESD Protection for COF Flexible Circuit Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal display devices face defects due to electrostatic discharge (ESD), despite stringent protective measures, as invisible and intangible electrostatic charges can still threaten production yield and end-user usage.
Innovation Solution
A display device comprising a display panel, control circuit board, driving circuit board, and electrostatic discharge structures, where the driving circuit board is a chip-on-film (COF) flexible printed circuit board, and at least one electrostatic discharge structure is electrically connected to the ground terminals of both the display panel and control circuit board, ensuring partial overlap in the projection direction to conduct electrostatic charges to ground, thereby preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stringent electrostatic charge protective measures (clean clothes, cleanliness control, moisturizing measures, ion fan) are implemented on the production line, then electrostatic protection is improved, but electrostatic charges remain invisible and intangible and continue to threaten production yield and end-user usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrostatic discharge structure as an intermediary component between the driving circuit board and ground. This structure provides a dedicated pathway for electrostatic charges to discharge safely, acting as a mediator that protects the sensitive COF flexible printed circuit board from ESD damage while maintaining the overall system's electrostatic protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic discharge structure is pre-configured and integrated into the display device before potential electrostatic discharge events occur. By establishing the discharge pathway in advance, the system is prepared to handle ESD events proactively rather than reactively, preventing damage before it occurs
2Weight of moving object
If the driving circuit board is designed as a chip-on-film (COF) flexible printed circuit board to achieve slim and light-weighted properties, then device portability and aesthetics are improved, but the device becomes more susceptible to electrostatic discharge damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing electrostatic protection specifically at the vulnerable COF flexible printed circuit board location through the electrostatic discharge structure. Rather than making the entire device heavier or changing its fundamental design, the protection is localized to where it is most needed, maintaining the slim and light-weighted properties while addressing the ESD susceptibility of the specific component
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic discharge structure serves as an intermediary protective layer between the vulnerable COF flexible printed circuit board and external electrostatic threats. This mediator allows the lightweight flexible design to be maintained while providing targeted protection to the susceptible component
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
The solution effectively enhances the electrostatic protection of the display device by directing electrostatic charges to ground, preventing damage to the chip-on-film flexible printed circuit board and improving the overall electrostatic charge protective effect.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrostatic discharge structure is coupled to the display panel and the control circuit board, and is electrically connected to the first ground terminal and the second ground terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A display device is provided. The display device comprises a display panel, a control circuit board, a driving circuit board and one or multiple electrostatic discharge structures. The display panel has a first ground terminal. The control circuit board has a second ground terminal. The driving circuit board coupled to the display panel and the control circuit board, and the driving circuit board is a COF flexible printed circuit board, and the control circuit board drives the display panel through the driving circuit board. The one or multiple electrostatic discharge structures is coupled to the display panel and the control circuit board, and is electrically connected to the first ground terminal and the second ground terminal. In a projection direction of the driving circuit board, the driving circuit board and the one or multiple electrostatic discharge structures are at least partially overlapped.