Flexible OLED Substrate Multi-Layer Signal Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible display panels suffer from signal line rupture or cracking due to folding stress, leading to increased resistance and display errors in the folding region.
Innovation Solution
An organic light emitting diode flexible array substrate is designed with a flexible substrate, barrier, buffer, and polycrystalline layers, along with multiple metal and insulation layers, where folding signal lines are formed on the second and third metal layers in the folding region, with flattened signal lines extending from capacitor electrode plates, enhancing strength and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If signal lines are made directly on the flexible substrate in the folding region, then the flexible circuit plate can be omitted and manufacturing is simplified, but the signal lines easily rupture or develop cracks due to folding stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple metal layers (first metal layer, second metal layer, third metal layer) with insulation layers interleaved between them. This multi-layer composite construction distributes the folding stress across multiple components rather than concentrating it on a single signal line layer, thereby preventing cracks and ruptures while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through sequential deposition processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane signal line configuration to a three-dimensional stacked architecture where signal lines are arranged across multiple vertical layers. The first, second, and third metal layers are positioned at different heights with insulation layers separating them, creating a vertical dimension that enhances mechanical strength and stress distribution in the folding region
2Shape
If the flexible display panel is folded to achieve narrow bezel design, then the non-displaying region can be utilized effectively, but the folding stress causes increased resistance and broken lines
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer composite structure with first, second, and third metal layers provides enhanced mechanical strength to withstand the folding stress required for narrow bezel configurations. The distributed layering prevents stress concentration that would otherwise cause line breaks and resistance increases
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation layers are positioned between the metal layers to provide mechanical cushioning and stress distribution before folding occurs. This pre-arranged protective structure absorbs and distributes folding stress, preventing damage to the signal lines during the folding process
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an organic light emitting diode flexible array substrate including a displaying region, a folding region adjacent to the displaying region, a flexible substrate, barrier layer, a buffer layer, a polycrystalline layer stacked together, a first insulation layer disposed on the buffer layer and covering the polycrystalline layer, a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and a third metal layer. Folding signal lines are formed on a portion of the second metal layer in the folding region. Folding signal lines are formed on a portion of the third metal layer in the folding region. Double folding signal lines of the second metal layer and third metal layer drastically increase reliability and lifespan of the signal lines in the folding region.