Flexible Electrical Device with Embedded Protection Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flat panel displays, such as liquid crystal and electrophoretic displays, lack flexibility due to the use of rigid glass substrates and inflexible connection substrates, leading to display defects like permanent black regions caused by static electricity and high voltages.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electrical device configuration is achieved by embedding electronic components between multiple flexible base materials, with a first electrode on one substrate and a second electrode on another, electrically connected to prevent damage from static electricity and high potentials, and using a multi-layer substrate configuration to secure space for electronic components and wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid glass substrates and inflexible connection substrates are used in conventional flat panel displays, then structural strength and stability are improved, but flexibility and weight are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid glass substrates with flexible base materials that can be bent and folded. The connection substrate is also made flexible to enable bending toward the rear surface. This substitution of flexible materials for rigid ones directly reduces device weight while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible substrate design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid glass substrates are used in conventional flat panel displays, then manufacturing stability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible base materials for both the display element substrate and connection substrate, enabling the device to be bent and adapted to various shapes. This flexible substrate architecture maintains manufacturing stability through consistent material properties while dramatically improving adaptability and flexibility for different form factors.
3Weight of moving object
If electronic components are embedded between flexible base materials, then flexibility is improved, but susceptibility to static electricity and high voltage damage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective measures by providing electrostatic protection circuits and high voltage protection circuits before static electricity or high voltage can damage the electronic components. These protection circuits are embedded along with the functional elements between the flexible base materials, creating a preemptive defense system that neutralizes potential threats before they reach the vulnerable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protection circuits as intermediary elements between the flexible base materials and the electronic components. These intermediary protection circuits act as mediators that intercept and neutralize static electricity and high voltage surges, preventing direct contact with and damage to the functional elements and electronic components embedded in the flexible structure.
4Reliability
If electrostatic protection circuits and high voltage protection circuits are embedded between flexible base materials, then protection against static electricity is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection circuits with the functional elements and embeds them together between the flexible base materials in a unified structure. This integration combines multiple functions (display, driving, protection) into a single embedded layer, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection against static electricity and high voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection circuits embedded between the flexible base materials serve multiple functions: they provide electrostatic protection, high voltage protection, and are integrated with the driving circuit functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protection components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure despite the added protection capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposed to a first side of the first substrate, and a functional element between the first side of the first substrate and the second substrate. A first electrode is arranged to a first substrate side of the functional element and overlaps with the functional element. A second electrode is arranged to a second substrate side of the functional element and overlaps with the functional element. An electronic component is arranged between the functional element and the first electrode, overlaps the first and second electrodes, and drives the functional element. A connecting section includes a first wiring, a second wiring, a first contact hole connecting the first electrode to the first wiring, and a second contact hole connecting the first wiring to the second wiring. The first contact hole has a portion that does not overlap with the second contact hole.