Folding Area Signal Wire for Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices have a significant dead space in their peripheral areas, which reduces the effective display area and can lead to inefficiencies in design and functionality, especially in mobile electronic devices where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a substrate with a display area and a folding area, featuring signal wires that cross the folding area, a flexible printed circuit film, and a metal layer, with specific patterns and connections to minimize the dead space by ensuring electrical connectivity and flexibility, thereby reducing the non-display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If signal wires are extended to cross the folding area to reduce dead space, then the display area utilization is improved, but the reliability of electrical connectivity may deteriorate due to folding stress
Solution Approach 1:
The signal wire is divided into multiple segments: a first signal wire in the display area, a second signal wire in the non-display area with spaced patterns, and a metal layer connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall connectivity through the folding area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar wire configuration to a three-dimensional stacked structure with the first signal wire, second signal wire, and metal layer positioned at different heights. This vertical arrangement allows the signal path to cross the folding area without requiring the wire to stretch or bend excessively in the horizontal plane.
2Ease of manufacture
If the signal wire structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to maintain connectivity across the folding area may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers (first signal wire, second signal wire, metal layer, and resin layer) into an integrated signal transmission structure. This merging of functions into a single fabricated assembly maintains connectivity reliability while managing the complexity through unified manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of thin film structures for the signal wires and metal layer allows the assembly to flex and bend in the folding area without breaking. The thin film nature provides inherent flexibility while maintaining electrical conductivity, resolving the conflict between manufacturing simplicity and folding reliability.
3Area of moving object
If peripheral area components are minimized to reduce dead space, then the display area proportion is improved, but the ease of operation for electrical connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The signal wire structure serves multiple functions: it transmits electrical signals, crosses the folding area, and provides connection points in both the display and non-display areas. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to achieve space reduction while maintaining operational connectivity through its various interaction points.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display area including a display layer, a folding area extending from the display area and at which the display device is bendable, and a signal wire which is connected to the display layer and extends across the folding area. The signal wire includes within the folding area a first signal wire layer which crosses the folding area, a second signal wire layer which is on the first signal wire layer and electrically connected to the first signal wire layer, the second signal wire layer including a plurality of patterns spaced apart from each other along the signal wire, and a metal layer which is on the second signal wire layer and electrically connected to the second signal wire layer.