Segmented Gate Lines for LCD Voids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal display devices face challenges in forming voids in the display region without obstructing gate and data lines, particularly when implementing features like watch hands, and existing solutions complicate the detouring of gate lines, which is difficult and costly, while also aiming to reduce the non-display region size.
Innovation Solution
The configuration includes separate gate lines and connector lines that extend into the display region, connecting to gate drivers in the non-display region, allowing for efficient routing around voids without detouring gate lines, and optimizing the placement of driving circuits to minimize the non-display region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gate lines are detoured around voids in the display region, then the void can accommodate indicators, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gate line is divided into two separate segments: a first gate line and a second gate line. These segments are positioned on opposite sides of the void and extend in the second direction. By segmenting the gate line rather than detouring a single continuous line, the patent avoids the complexity of routing a detoured gate line through the display region while still providing gate signals to all necessary pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gate connector lines that extend in the first direction (perpendicular to the gate lines) to connect the segmented first and second gate lines to gate drivers in the non-display region. This dimensional approach allows the gate lines to remain simple and straight in the second direction while using the first direction to establish connections to the drivers, effectively bypassing the void without complicating the gate line routing.
2Reliability
If gate lines are detoured around voids, then connectivity is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to line width variations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the gate line into first and second gate lines that run parallel and straight in the second direction, each segment maintains a uniform width throughout its length. This segmentation approach preserves manufacturing precision and ensures consistent electrical properties, avoiding the width variations that would occur with a detoured gate line configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Gate connector lines serve as intermediaries that connect the segmented first and second gate lines to the gate drivers. These connector lines extend in the first direction and provide the necessary electrical connectivity without requiring the main gate lines to detour, thereby maintaining both reliability and manufacturing precision.
3Area of stationary object
If non-display region is reduced to thin bezel, then device size is minimized, but space for gate and data drivers becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the first direction (vertical scanning direction) to extend gate connector lines from the gate drivers located in the non-display region to the display region. This dimensional approach allows the gate drivers to be positioned in the non-display region while still providing effective gate signals to pixels throughout the display region, maximizing the utilization of the reduced non-display region space.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate connector lines serve multiple functions: they connect the segmented gate lines to the gate drivers, extend the gate signal distribution capability into the display region, and enable the gate drivers to control pixels across the entire display area despite being positioned in a minimized non-display region. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain full driver capability with a reduced bezel size.
4Ease of manufacture
If continuous gate lines are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but voids in display region cannot accommodate indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The gate line is deliberately segmented into first and second gate lines positioned on opposite sides of the void. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity by using standard thin-film transistor fabrication processes to create parallel line segments, while simultaneously enabling the void to accommodate indicators. The segmented approach avoids the need for complex detour routing that would compromise manufacturing ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device is provided. The display device comprises a plurality of data lines extending in a first direction. The display device also comprises a plurality of gate lines. The plurality of gate lines comprises a first gate line, a second gate line and a third gate line extending in a second direction different than the first direction to form a matrix with the plurality of data lines. The first gate line and the second gate line are separated from each other and are arranged in a same row of the matrix. The display device further comprises a first gate connector line and a second gate connector line, respectively, electrically connecting the first gate line and the second gate line to one or two gate drivers. The first gate connector line and the second gate connector line extend in the first direction.