Flexible Substrate Display Panel Routing for Narrow Bezels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display panels face challenges in achieving narrow border designs due to the occupation of non-display space by flexible circuits, which hinder the development of lighter, thinner, and high screen-to-body ratio displays.

Innovation Solution

The display panel design includes a laminated array substrate with a flexible second substrate that extends beyond the first substrate, featuring a connection circuit for external connection, and is encapsulated by a package cover plate, allowing the flexible substrate to bend and save circuit binding space, thus achieving a narrow border.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flexible circuit is used to connect external devices, then electrical connection is achieved, but the non-display space is occupied increasing the border width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidnon-display space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible substrate extends from the display area into the non-display area, utilizing the vertical/dimensional space rather than occupying horizontal border space. The substrate bends downward to route circuits to the back surface, effectively moving the connection path to another spatial dimension and eliminating the need for wide side borders.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible substrate that can be bent and deformed to route connection circuits from the display area to the back surface of the panel. This flexible film approach allows the circuits to pass through the non-display area without requiring additional border space, as the substrate itself serves as both the structural element and the circuit carrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Area of stationary object

If the second substrate is made flexible to enable bending, then circuit binding space is saved, but the structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit binding spaceVSAvoidsubstrate strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel uses a composite structure with a first hard substrate (glass or rigid material) providing structural strength and support, combined with a second flexible substrate that enables bending and circuit routing. This composite approach allows the panel to maintain overall structural integrity while the flexible portion provides the necessary deformability for narrow border design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate is divided into two distinct parts: a first hard substrate that maintains structural strength and a second flexible substrate that enables bending. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function - the hard substrate provides strength while the flexible substrate enables the bending action needed to save circuit binding space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a hard package cover plate is used to protect the array substrate, then protection is provided, but the overall panel thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprotectionVSAvoidpanel thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible substrate is disposed to bend and attach to the back surface of the first substrate, with the connection circuits positioned on the back surface. This nesting arrangement allows the protection and connection functions to be integrated within the existing panel structure without adding significant thickness, as the flexible substrate utilizes the internal space rather than adding external bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enables a display panel with a narrow border by utilizing a flexible second substrate that can bend, reducing the need for additional circuit binding space and maintaining the panel's thickness and display functionality.

Implementation Method 1

an organic electroluminescent material, which emits light based on the principle of electroluminescence when a voltage is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a charge generation layer, in which a host material and a dopant material are mixed and which has a function of generating charge carriers based on the Hall effect when voltage is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3989290B1Display panel and manufacturing method for display panel
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 KUNSHAN GO VISIONOX OPTO ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3989290B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3989290B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3989290B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The embodiments of the present application provide a display panel, a display device and a manufacturing method for the display panel. The display panel has a display area and a non-display area located at the periphery of the display area. The display panel comprises: an array substrate, comprising a first substrate and a second substrate which are arranged in a stacked manner, the second substrate being a flexible substrate, and the second substrate comprising a first extension portion and a second extension portion, the first extension portion being located in the display area, and the second extension portion extending, in a direction away from the first extension portion, from the first extension portion to the outside of the first substrate through the non-display area, the second extension portion being provided with a connection circuit, and the array substrate being electrically connected to an external device by means of the second extension portion; and an encapsulation cover plate located at one side of the second substrate away from the first substrate, so as to encapsulate the array substrate. When the second extension portion is bent to the back of the first substrate, the circuit binding space on the display panel can be saved, thereby achieving a narrow bezel.