In-Display Gate Driver Layout for Narrow-Bezel OLED Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices have limitations in reducing the non-display area, particularly due to the restrictive placement of the panel driver in the non-display area, which hinders the minimization of the bezel size.

Innovation Solution

The placement of the gate driver is relocated from the non-display area to the display area, allowing for a more compact design by positioning it within the display area, alongside other components like the driving TFT and protective layers, enabling a narrower bezel and improved design autonomy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the gate driver is positioned in the non-display area, then the data driver can be positioned in the non-display area, but the bezel size cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebezel sizeVSAvoiddriver circuit layout complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gate driver is moved from the lateral non-display area to the vertical space within the display area, utilizing the third dimension (depth/stacking) to resolve the spatial conflict. This allows the driver to occupy space that does not interfere with the display surface area, thereby reducing bezel size while maintaining driver functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The gate driver circuit is nested within the display area by positioning it in the space between the display panel and the front surface, effectively nesting the driver inside the display structure rather than adding it as a separate external component. This nesting approach minimizes the overall footprint and bezel size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If the gate driver is positioned in the display area, then the bezel size can be reduced, but the positioning and integration with display components becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebezel sizeVSAvoidcomponent positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is segmented into distinct functional layers: the display panel layer, the gate driver layer positioned in between, and the front surface layer. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and positioned independently with precise alignment features, reducing the overall positioning complexity despite the integrated layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary structure or substrate is introduced to host the gate driver circuit, serving as a mediator between the display panel and the front surface. This intermediary provides a stable mounting platform with precise alignment features, simplifying the positioning process and ensuring accurate integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the gate driver is integrated within the display area, then design flexibility is improved, but the conventional data driver placement in non-display area becomes restrictive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoiddriver circuit integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gate driver is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a signal generation component and as a space-efficient element that enables compact display design. By integrating the gate driver within the display area, the same spatial region serves dual purposes: displaying images and housing critical driving circuitry, thereby improving design flexibility without significantly increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3432356B1Display device
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3432356B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3432356B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3432356B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device is disclosed. The display device of the present invention may comprise: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; an anode electrode being positioned in the display area; an organic light emitting layer being layered on the anode electrode, the organic light emitting layer being positioned in the display area; a cathode electrode being layered on the organic light emitting layer; and a gate driver being positioned in the display area.