Inspection Pad 3D Structure for Display Dead Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face challenges in minimizing dead space outside the display area, which limits the relative proportion of the display area and design flexibility, as existing solutions do not effectively reduce the space required for driving and inspection pads.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a first substrate with signal lines and inspection pads, a second substrate with a light blocking layer, and an encapsulation layer in the non-display area, where the inspection pads have opening portions and a metal pattern, allowing for reduced dead space while maintaining reliability through efficient encapsulation and light blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If inspection pads and driving pads are disposed in the non-display area, then the display area proportion is reduced, but the reliability for signal line inspection is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection pads are configured with opening portions that extend in the thickness direction (vertical dimension) of the substrate, transforming a 2D pad structure into a 3D structure. This vertical extension allows the inspection pads to maintain sufficient inspection functionality while reducing their horizontal footprint in the non-display area, thereby increasing the display area proportion.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening portions of the inspection pads are filled with conductive material, creating a nested structure where the conductive material is embedded within the pad structure. This nested configuration allows for effective electrical connection and inspection functionality while minimizing the overall space occupied by the inspection pads in the planar direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the non-display area is minimized, then design freedom is increased, but the space required for pad functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the inspection pads in the thickness direction with opening portions, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension to provide sufficient pad functionality within a reduced horizontal space. This enables smaller non-display areas while maintaining design freedom for various display configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the inspection pads by introducing opening portions with specific size ratios (opening portion area to total pad area ratio of 30-70%). This parameter optimization allows the pads to function effectively in reduced spaces, enabling greater design flexibility.
3Area of stationary object
If inspection pads are made compact, then dead space is reduced, but the inspection capability for open/short circuits may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection pads extend in the thickness direction with opening portions, creating a vertical inspection path. This 3D structure maintains effective inspection capability for open/short circuits while reducing the horizontal dead space, as the electrical connection path is established through the vertical dimension rather than requiring large horizontal areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection pads utilize composite structures combining conductive materials filled within the opening portions and the pad material itself. This composite configuration ensures reliable electrical connection for inspection purposes while minimizing the overall pad footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a display device including a display area and a non-display area. The display device comprises a first substrate including a plurality of signal lines which are disposed corresponding to the display area and a plurality of inspection pads which are electrically connected to each of the signal lines and disposed corresponding to the non-display area, a second substrate facing the first substrate and including a light blocking layer which is disposed corresponding to the non-display area, and an encapsulation layer disposed, corresponding to the non-display area, between the first substrate and the second substrate. Each of the inspection pads includes a plurality of opening portions defined spaced apart from each other and a metal pattern portion surrounding the opening portions.