Flexible Circuit Board Folding for Display Dead Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in minimizing the connection area between pads and circuit boards, which affects the overall compactness and efficiency of the display apparatus, particularly in mobile and electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flexible circuit board with folding portions and slits allows for easy coupling and folding, reducing the connection area by utilizing multiple folding lines and terminal arrangements that correspond to the pad layout, enabling a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the circuit board is made rigid and directly connected to pads, then electrical connection is stable, but the connection area occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible circuit board made of flexible film material that can be folded multiple times. This flexible structure maintains electrical connection reliability through repeated folding while significantly reducing the occupied connection area compared to rigid circuit boards, directly resolving the contradiction between connection area and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board utilizes multiple folding portions that fold in different directions (first direction and second direction perpendicular to the first), transforming a two-dimensional plane into a three-dimensional folded structure. This dimensional transformation allows the circuit board to maintain electrical connectivity while minimizing the footprint area.
2Area of stationary object
If the circuit board is folded multiple times to reduce area, then the occupied space is minimized, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into multiple segments separated by folding portions, allowing independent folding at each segment. This segmentation enables the circuit board to achieve compact folding without requiring complex overall structural design, as each segment can be independently managed and folded along predetermined lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding portions are pre-formed in the flexible circuit board during manufacturing, creating predetermined fold lines before the board is installed. This preliminary action simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, as the folding paths are already established and optimized.
3Area of stationary object
If the connection area is reduced, then the dead space is minimized, but the ease of coupling between pad and circuit board decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit board provides dynamic adaptability through its folding capability, allowing the board to be easily positioned and coupled with pads during assembly. The flexibility enables simple manual or automated coupling operations without requiring complex alignment mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing connection area.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel including a substrate having a display area and a non-display area outside the display area, a display unit being in the display area, and a plurality of pads in the non-display are, a sealing unit covering the display unit, and a circuit board including a plurality of terminals electrically coupled to the plurality of pads. The circuit board has a plurality of folding portions such that the circuit board is folded at least two times in directions different from each other.