Multi-function Layer Embedded in Seal for Display Panel Thickness Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display panels face issues with uneven peripheral box thickness due to unstable contact between substrates, affecting display uniformity and quality.

Innovation Solution

A display panel design featuring a multi-function layer with a support portion embedded in the seal, providing electrical connection and surface contact between substrates, and acting as a shading layer to improve thickness control and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional seal bonding is used to bond substrates, then the sealing function is achieved, but the peripheral box thickness uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidperipheral box thickness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the support function and light blocking function into a single multi-function layer. This layer includes a support portion that provides mechanical support to maintain uniform peripheral thickness, while also serving as a light blocking layer to prevent light leakage. By merging these functions, the patent avoids the need for separate support structures and light blocking layers, thereby improving thickness uniformity without compromising the sealing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-function layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support to maintain cell thickness, blocks light in the non-display area, and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the display panel. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by integrating the support function needed for thickness uniformity with the light blocking function, eliminating the need for additional separate components.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If additional light-shielding layers are added to improve display uniformity, then display quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay uniformityVSAvoidnumber of layers
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light blocking function with the support function in a single multi-function layer. This layer is positioned in the non-display area and includes a support portion that extends into the seal. By combining these functions, the patent achieves display uniformity without adding separate light-shielding layers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-function layer serves as both a support structure and a light blocking layer. This universal design allows the same layer to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for additional dedicated light-shielding layers and reducing the overall complexity of the display panel structure while improving display uniformity.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If the support structure is made more complex to improve thickness control, then manufacturing precision improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness controlVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the support function with the light blocking function in a single multi-function layer that is formed using existing manufacturing processes. The support portion is integrated into the light blocking layer structure, allowing both functions to be achieved without requiring additional complex manufacturing steps. This integration maintains thickness control while preserving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-function layer is designed to be manufactured using standard display panel fabrication processes. By making the support structure multi-functional (serving both as support and light blocking), the patent avoids the need for separate manufacturing steps for additional support components, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving precise thickness control.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11237434B2Display panel and display terminal
Publication Date: 2022.02.01 CHONGQING HKC OPTOELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
  • US11237434B2 patent drawing
  • US11237434B2 patent drawing
  • US11237434B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display panel includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; the display panel includes: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed opposite and spaced apart from the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a seal (240) disposed between the first substrate (210) and the second substrate (220) and located in the non-display area (22); and a multi-function layer (250) disposed on the first substrate (210) and located in the non-display area (22); the multi-function layer (250) includes a support portion (252) embedded in the seal (240) and is in surface contact with the second substrate (220) so as to effect an electrical connection between the first substrate (210) and the second substrate (220).