In-cell Touch Display Panel Bezel Reduction via Dual Link Metal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing in-cell touch-type display panels face limitations in reducing the bezel size due to the constraints in processing the pitch of metal layers for data link lines, which restricts the miniaturization of the display panel.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual link system using gate line metal and data line metal for data link lines, allowing for the formation of link lines in the bezel area on the same layer as the gate lines and data lines, connected to the respective pads, thereby reducing the bezel size without increasing the number of mask processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If data link lines are formed using conventional metal layer processing, then the pitch of metal layers can be processed, but the bezel size cannot be reduced further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of data link lines with the existing gate line and data line metal layers. By forming link lines on the same metal layers that are already being processed for gate and data lines, the patent eliminates the need for separate metal layer processing specifically for link lines, thereby overcoming the pitch processing limitation while reducing bezel size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the metal layers universal by using them for multiple purposes: gate lines, data lines, and data link lines all share the same metal layers. This multi-functionality allows the link lines to be formed without additional metal processing steps, enabling bezel reduction while working within existing manufacturing precision constraints
2Area of stationary object
If the number of mask processes is increased to reduce bezel size, then manufacturing precision can be improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of link lines with the existing gate line and data line patterns in the same mask processes. By merging these functions into the existing eight mask processes without adding separate processes, the patent maintains manufacturing efficiency while achieving bezel size reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal mask processes that simultaneously define gate lines, data lines, and link lines. This multi-functionality in the masking process eliminates the need for additional mask steps, thereby maintaining productivity while improving manufacturing precision for link line formation
3Area of stationary object
If data link lines are formed in the bezel area on the same layer as gate lines and data lines, then the bezel size is reduced, but electrical disconnection issues may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link line formation into specific portions of the metal layers, distinguishing between link line regions and gate/data line regions. This segmentation allows proper electrical connections to be established at appropriate locations while maintaining compact bezel dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different local qualities to different regions of the metal layers: gate line regions, data line regions, and link line regions are differentiated by their specific electrical connection requirements. This local quality control ensures reliable electrical connections for link lines while maintaining the reduced bezel structure
Data Source
AI summary
An in-cell touch-type display panel includes an array substrate divided into a display area, a bezel area, and a pad area, gate lines, data lines and touch lines disposed in the display area of the array substrate, a data pad and a touch pad disposed in the pad area of the array substrate, and data link lines connecting the data lines to the data pad and the size of a bezel can be reduced by applying a dual link to data link lines using gate line metal and data line metal.