Flexible Cable Layout for Solder-Free Display Vibration Connections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration devices require complex structures and manufacturing processes due to the need for film patterning and soldering of pad electrodes, limiting design flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A flexible cable with a base member, conductor layer, and protection layer, featuring conductive lines that extend beyond the base member for direct electrical connection to electrode layers, eliminating the need for film patterning and soldering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If film patterning and soldering processes are used to connect pad electrodes to signal cables, then electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the signal cable with the protective film by forming conductive lines directly on the protective film surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate pad electrodes and soldering processes, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the vibration element and external circuitry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective film serves multiple functions: it protects the vibration element, provides the conductive path for electrical signals, and acts as an insulating layer. By making the protective film multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate pad electrodes and complex soldering processes, thus reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If film patterning and soldering processes are used to connect pad electrodes to signal cables, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the protective film and the electrical connection structure into a single integrated component. The conductive lines are formed directly on the protective film during its manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate film patterning and soldering steps, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive lines are pre-formed on the protective film during its manufacturing process, before the vibration element is assembled. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent soldering operations, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring reliable electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conductive lines extend beyond the base member for direct connection, then design freedom and flexibility are enhanced, but cable length and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidconductive line length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive lines extend in the planar dimension on the protective film surface rather than requiring three-dimensional cable assemblies. This dimensional approach allows the conductive lines to reach terminal portions for connection while minimizing overall material usage and maintaining design flexibility for various terminal positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3890037B1Flexible cable, vibration device including the same, and display apparatus including the vibration device
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3890037B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3890037B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3890037B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A flexible cable is disclosed which comprises a base member (11), a conductor layer (13) including a plurality of conductive lines (13-1, 13-2, 13-3, 13-4) disposed on the base member, and a protection layer (15) disposed on the base member to cover a part of the conductor layer and to expose pad portions (13p) of the conductive lines at a terminal portion (11a). A length (L1) of the conductive lines is longer than a length (L2) of the base member. A vibration device structure (210), particularly for a display panel (100), includes a piezoelectric vibration layer (211), first and second electrode layers (211, 215) disposed on surfaces thereof, and the disclosed flexible cable electrically connected to the electrode layers.