Flexible Circuit Board Coverlay Protrusion for Moisture Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices face challenges in preventing the permeation of foreign particles and moisture, which can compromise their reliability and performance.

Innovation Solution

A flexible printed circuit board design featuring a base film with electrode pads, a circuit pattern connected to the pads, a coverlay that overlaps the circuit pattern, and a cover resin that covers the circuit pattern and coverlay, including protrusions to enhance protection against foreign particles and moisture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional flat coverlay structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but foreign particles and moisture can permeate through the circuit pattern areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against foreign particles and moistureVSAvoidcoverlay structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coverlay is divided into a body portion and multiple protrusion portions that extend toward the circuit pattern. This segmentation allows the coverlay to provide protection in multiple areas simultaneously - the body portion covers general areas while the protrusion portions specifically target circuit pattern regions vulnerable to particle and moisture permeation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coverlay transitions from a conventional two-dimensional flat structure to a three-dimensional structure with protrusion portions extending upward. This dimensional change enables the coverlay to overlap and protect the circuit pattern more effectively, creating multiple layers of protection without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

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

2Reliability

If the coverlay completely covers the circuit pattern, then protection is maximized, but the electrode pad area becomes difficult to access for electrical connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit pattern protectionVSAvoidelectrode pad accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coverlay structure is designed with different regions serving different functions: the body portion provides general protection, while the protrusion portions provide targeted protection for circuit patterns. The coverlay is positioned to protect vulnerable areas while maintaining accessibility to electrode pads for electrical connections, achieving local optimization of both protection and operability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple layers are added to prevent permeation, then protection effectiveness increases, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepermeation preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coverlay combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated component. The body portion and protrusion portions work together as one element to provide both general and targeted protection, eliminating the need for separate protective layers and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11246219B2Flexible printed circuit board and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2022.02.08 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US11246219B2 patent drawing
  • US11246219B2 patent drawing
  • US11246219B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible printed circuit board including: a base film; an electrode pad disposed on one side of the base film; a circuit pattern connected with the electrode pad; a coverlay that overlaps at least a part of the circuit pattern; and a cover resin that overlaps the circuit pattern and at least a part of the coverlay. The coverlay includes a body portion and a protrusion protruded from the body portion.