Flexible Array Substrate Unpatterned Insulating Layer Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible LCD panels face issues with bending resistance due to poor mechanical properties when the first inorganic insulating layer is laminated on the flexible base substrate, leading to cracks during edge bending, which can affect the traces and result in display failure.

Innovation Solution

The array substrate design includes a flexible base substrate with a first inorganic insulating layer that has no pattern in the edge bending area, along with a transition area structure and organic insulating layers to enhance bending resistance and prevent cracks, featuring hollow structures and staggered rows in the traces to prevent breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a patterned inorganic insulating layer is laminated on the flexible base substrate, then the electrical insulation and protection are improved, but the bending resistance deteriorates and cracks occur during edge bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidbending resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The inorganic insulating layer is designed with different patterns in different regions: it has no pattern in the edge bending area to maintain flexibility, while having patterns in the display area to provide electrical insulation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between electrical insulation and bending resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The array substrate is divided into distinct functional areas: display area, edge bending area, and transition areas. The inorganic insulating layer is selectively applied to specific regions rather than uniformly across the entire substrate, allowing each region to have properties optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the inorganic insulating layer has no pattern in the edge bending area, then the bending resistance is improved, but the electrical insulation coverage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending resistanceVSAvoidelectrical insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer configuration is locally optimized: unpatterned in the edge bending area for flexibility, patterned in the display area for insulation. The transition areas provide gradual transition zones that maintain both requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The problem is solved by adding spatial dimensionality to the insulation strategy - using multiple layers (first and second inorganic insulating layers) and multiple organic insulating layers at different positions to achieve comprehensive insulation without compromising bending performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If traces extend from the display area to the edge bending area, then the electrical connection is improved, but the traces are vulnerable to crack damage during bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidtrace durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Organic insulating layers are positioned beforehand to cushion and protect the traces in the edge bending area. These protective layers absorb mechanical stress and prevent cracks from directly damaging the traces during bending operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

Organic insulating layers serve as intermediary protective structures between the traces and the external mechanical stress during bending. These layers mediate the interaction between bending forces and traces, preventing direct damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If the first organic insulating layer has a pattern in the frame area, then the structural definition is improved, but the bending flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural definitionVSAvoidbending flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The organic insulating layer is patterned only in the frame area where structural definition is needed, while remaining unpatterned in the display area and transition areas to maintain bending flexibility. This localized patterning achieves structural clarity without compromising overall flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11526041B2Array substrate, display panel and display device

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 HEFEI BOE OPTOELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present application provides an array substrate, a display panel and a display device. The array substrate includes a display area and an edge bending area located on one side of the display area, and further includes: a flexible base substrate, located in the display area and in the edge bending area; a first inorganic insulating layer, disposed on the flexible base substrate, where the first inorganic insulating layer has no pattern at least in the edge bending area; and a plurality of traces disposed on one side, facing away from the flexible base substrate, of the first inorganic insulating layer, where the plurality of traces extend from the display area to the edge bending area.