Flexible Wiring Substrate for Narrow Frame Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices with polymer dispersed liquid crystal layers face challenges in minimizing the frame portion outside the display area, known as 'narrowing the frame,' which affects the visual recognition of backgrounds and overall device aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of a display device with a first substrate, a second substrate, a light source along the second substrate's side, a wiring substrate, and a flexible wiring substrate that extends beyond the second substrate, allowing for a reduced frame by positioning the wiring substrate on the side of the transparent substrate and connecting it with the flexible wiring substrate, thereby minimizing the frame area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the wiring substrate is positioned on the side of the transparent substrate, then the frame area is reduced, but the wiring substrate needs to extend beyond the substrate edge requiring flexible connections
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring substrate is divided into two functional parts: a rigid portion mounted on the transparent substrate for electrical connections, and a flexible extension portion that reaches beyond the substrate edge. This segmentation allows the rigid part to maintain stable connections while the flexible part enables access to the display area, resolving the contradiction between reduced frame area and wiring connection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring substrate extends from the two-dimensional plane of the transparent substrate into the third dimension by bending outward beyond the substrate edge. This dimensional transition allows the wiring to access external connections without increasing the frontal frame area, as the extension occurs in the depth direction rather than expanding the visible frame boundary.
2Area of stationary object
If the frame portion is minimized for better aesthetics and background visibility, then the display area is maximized, but the structural support and component mounting space are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring substrate utilizes a flexible printed circuit board that can be mounted on the transparent substrate and extend beyond its edges. This flexible film structure provides sufficient mounting area for electrical connections and routing while maintaining a minimal frame profile, as the flexible substrate can be positioned in the depth direction without increasing the frontal display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring substrate is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to adapt its position and shape. The flexible portion can bend and extend beyond the rigid substrate edge, providing adaptable routing paths for electrical connections. This dynamic configuration enables component mounting and wiring routing without requiring additional frame space, maintaining both aesthetics and manufacturability.
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 configuration enables a display device with a narrower frame, allowing for better background visibility and improved aesthetics while maintaining the functionality of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer dispersion liquid crystal layer can switch a scattering state in which light is scattered and a transmitted state in which light is transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and a first side surface, a second substrate having a second side surface and being opposed to the first surface, a light source provided along the second side surface, a wiring substrate opposed to the second surface, a first adhesive layer bonding the second surface to the wiring substrate, and a flexible wiring substrate electrically connecting the first substrate with the wiring substrate. The first substrate includes an extending portion that includes the first side surface and extends further than the second side surface, the flexible wiring substrate is mount on the extending portion.