Flexible Device Array Substrate with Stress-Relief Pixel Openings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stretchable display devices face issues with wiring breakage due to high stress concentrations at the connections between wiring and island electronic devices during stretching.

Innovation Solution

A device array substrate with a flexible base, a pixel island, and a connection line where at least one edge of the pixel island has an opening for the connection line to enter, dispersing stress and reducing breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connection line directly connects to the pixel island without an opening, then the electrical connection is simple and direct, but the stress concentration causes the connection line to break easily when the display device is stretched

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection line durabilityVSAvoidpixel island structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel island structure is segmented by introducing an opening that divides the connection path into two segments: one from the connection line to the opening, and another from the opening to the switching device. This segmentation allows the opening to act as a stress relief point, preventing stress concentration at the direct connection point while maintaining electrical connectivity through the segmented path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The opening serves as an intermediary element between the connection line and the switching device. Instead of the connection line directly contacting the switching device, the opening acts as a mediator that distributes and relieves stress, preventing direct stress transmission that would cause connection line breakage while still enabling electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display device uses rigid wiring structures, then the electrical connection is stable, but the device cannot withstand stretching forces and the wiring breaks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestretchabilityVSAvoidwiring strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel island structure is designed with dynamic characteristics through the opening, allowing it to deform and adapt when stretching forces are applied. The opening enables the structure to flex and redistribute stress dynamically, transitioning from a rigid, brittle connection to a more flexible, stress-tolerant configuration that maintains electrical connectivity during deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel island structure incorporates a flexible configuration through the opening, similar to flexible shell designs. The opening creates a compliant structure that can flex and deform elastically under stretching forces, allowing the wiring to accommodate device deformation without breaking, while maintaining electrical connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12346168B2Device array substrate and display device

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A device array substrate is provided and includes a flexible base, a pixel island, and a connection line. The pixel island is disposed on the flexible base, and at least one edge of the pixel island is provided with at least one opening. The connection line enters the pixel island via the opening. A display device is also provided and includes the device array substrate.