Common Electrode Segmentation for LCD Data Line Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal display (LCD) devices face issues with open circuits in data lines during manufacturing, leading to incomplete image transmission and reduced image quality due to particle contamination during photolithographic processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a common electrode with specific portions that can function as both a repair line and a common signal line, allowing for the welding of third and fourth portions across open data lines and maintaining signal continuity, while disconnecting unnecessary portions to minimize resistance and ensure uniform image delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If photolithographic processes are used to form gate lines and data lines, then manufacturing precision is improved, but open circuits occur due to particle contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming a repair line simultaneously with the gate line and data line during the same photolithographic process. This repair line is prepared in advance as a backup pathway, so when particle contamination causes open circuits in the data line, the repair line is already positioned and can immediately serve as an alternative connection path without requiring additional manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair line acts as an intermediary element between the source and drain electrodes. When the data line is contaminated or open, the repair line provides an intermediate alternative pathway for signal transmission. The repair line is positioned to connect the same terminals as the data line would, serving as a mediator that maintains electrical continuity when the primary data line fails.
2Productivity
If data lines are formed after other elements, then manufacturing sequence is optimized, but open circuits are more likely to occur in data lines
Solution Approach 1:
The repair line is formed in advance during the same photolithographic process as the data line, even though the data line itself is formed later in the manufacturing sequence. This preliminary preparation of the repair line ensures that a backup pathway is already in place before the data line is created, allowing immediate compensation if the data line develops open circuits due to particle contamination during subsequent processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating the repair line as a protective backup before the data line is fully formed and before any potential contamination can occur. This prior cushioning measure ensures that even if the data line fails due to particles generated during later manufacturing steps, the repair line is already positioned and ready to provide electrical continuity, cushioning against the potential failure.
3Ease of repair
If common electrode portions are maintained for repair functions, then line repair capability is improved, but resistance increases and image uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The common electrode is segmented into multiple distinct portions: a first common electrode portion, a second common electrode portion, and a third common electrode portion. The repair line is positioned between the first and second portions, while the third portion extends into the next pixel region. This segmentation allows the repair line to be isolated from the active common electrode regions that control pixel signals, ensuring that the repair function does not interfere with image uniformity or introduce unwanted resistance into the pixel control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the common electrode are assigned different functions: the first and second portions serve both as common electrode elements for pixel control and as connection points for the repair line, while the third portion is dedicated to extending into the next pixel region. The repair line itself is positioned in a localized region between the first and second portions, creating a dedicated repair pathway that does not interfere with the uniform signal distribution required for image quality. This local differentiation of function allows repair capability without compromising image uniformity.
Data Source
AI summary
An array substrate includes a substrate, a gate line on the substrate, a data line crossing the gate line to define a pixel region, a thin film transistor connected to the gate and data lines, a pixel electrode in the pixel region, and a common electrode including first, second, third, fourth and fifth portions, wherein the first and second portions are disposed at both sides of the data line, each of the third and fourth portions is connected to the first and second portions, and the fifth portion is connected to the second portion and is extended into a next pixel region adjacent to the pixel region.