Foldable Display Buffer Structure for Protected Electrode Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatuses face challenges with size and portability limitations, particularly in CRT displays, and require improved structural integrity to prevent damage from folding, while maintaining display quality and reducing external influence effects.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus design featuring a conductive layer with a buffer layer on a base substrate, including a contact hole exposing the conductive layer for electrode connection, and an insulating pattern to protect the folding area, with a conductive layer applying a ground voltage to thin film transistors, enhancing structural integrity and reducing external influence effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contact hole is formed through the buffer layer to expose the conductive layer, then electrode connection is achieved, but the buffer layer integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The contact hole creates a localized opening in the buffer layer, segmenting it into regions with and without buffer layer coverage. This allows the electrode to contact the conductive layer in the exposed region while the buffer layer remains intact in other regions to provide protection and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer layer is selectively removed only in the contact hole region where electrode connection is needed, while maintaining the buffer layer in other regions. This local modification achieves the necessary electrical connection without compromising the overall integrity and protective function of the buffer layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display apparatus is made foldable to improve portability, then size and portability are enhanced, but structural integrity and resistance to folding damage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer is formed as a protective layer before the folding operation, cushioning the underlying conductive layer and other structural components from damage during folding. This pre-established protective structure prevents cracking and degradation that would otherwise occur during repeated folding cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer layer acts as a flexible protective film that can accommodate the bending and folding of the display apparatus while maintaining the structural integrity of the underlying components. This thin film structure provides protection without preventing the necessary flexibility for portability.
3Strength
If an insulating pattern is added to protect the folding area, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating pattern is merged with the existing buffer layer structure, utilizing the same material system and formation processes. This integration approach provides the necessary protective function in the folding area without requiring entirely separate structural elements, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a base substrate including a display area and a peripheral area, a conductive layer formed on the base substrate in an entirety of the peripheral area and the display area, a buffer layer on the conductive layer, a thin film transistor on the buffer layer in the display area, an electrode in a contact hole that is formed through the buffer layer to expose a side surface of the conductive layer in the peripheral area, the electrode making contact the conductive layer, an insulating pattern in the contact hole on the electrode, and a wiring on the insulating pattern and electrically connected to the electrode.