Flexible Display Wiring with Amorphous Aluminum Alloy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible and stretchable display apparatuses face challenges in maintaining electrical connectivity and structural integrity when subjected to various shapes and deformations, particularly due to the limitations in wiring materials and island-bridge configurations.
Innovation Solution
The display apparatus incorporates island portions with transistors and light-emitting elements, connected by bridge portions with wirings. These wirings consist of a first layer with an amorphous alloy of aluminum and a rare-earth element, and a second layer of pure aluminum, alternately stacked to enhance mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wiring materials and single-layer structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility deteriorate under deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite wiring structure consisting of multiple layers with different materials: a first sub-layer with an amorphous alloy (Al-X-Y-Z where X=Ga, In, or Ge; Y=Ti, V, Cr, Mn, or Fe; Z=B or Si), a second sub-layer with aluminum, and a third sub-layer with aluminum. This multi-material composite approach optimizes both electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility, allowing the wiring to maintain connectivity during deformation while managing complexity through systematic material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-layer wiring to a multi-layer stacked structure, adding the vertical dimension to the wiring design. The layered configuration with specific thickness ratios (first sub-layer: 30-70 nm, second sub-layer: 20-50 nm, third sub-layer: 20-50 nm) creates a three-dimensional structure that enhances electrical performance and mechanical properties without significantly increasing planar footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display apparatus is made stretchable to transform into various shapes, then adaptability improves, but structural integrity and electrical performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the wiring material composition to enable stretchability while maintaining structural integrity. The amorphous alloy composition (Al-X-Y-Z with specific element ratios) provides elastic strain limits exceeding 2%, allowing the wiring to withstand deformation. The multi-layer structure with optimized thickness parameters further enhances this capability, enabling the display apparatus to transform into various shapes while preserving electrical connectivity and structural stability
3Reliability
If wiring layers are increased to improve conductivity and flexibility, then electrical performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes manufacturing feasibility by carefully controlling layer thickness parameters: first sub-layer 30-70 nm, second sub-layer 20-50 nm, third sub-layer 20-50 nm. These parameter specifications balance electrical performance requirements with manufacturing capabilities, ensuring that the multi-layer structure can be fabricated using existing thin-film deposition techniques while achieving the desired conductivity and flexibility
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
The solution achieves a high elastic strain limit, low resistivity, and improved yield strength, allowing the display apparatus to extend and contract in various directions without compromising electrical performance or structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an amorphous alloy layer... An elastic strain limit of the first layer may be at least 2.0%
Implementation Method 2
wirings arranged in each of the bridge portions, where each of the wirings includes a first layer... Resistivity of the first layer may be greater than 5.6 and less than 11 microohm-centimeters (μΩ·cm)
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus, including a display area and a non-display area outside the display area, includes: island portions arranged in the display area and spaced apart from one another; bridge portions each connecting island portions adjacent to each other among the island portions; and wirings arranged in each of the bridge portions, where each of wirings includes a first layer, the first layer includes a first sub layer including an alloy of aluminum and a rare-earth element, and a second sub layer comprises aluminum.