Peripheral Electrostatic Discharge Circuit for Display Panel Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Static electricity can damage electrical elements in display devices, particularly when wires near the gate driving circuit intersect and are closely disposed, leading to defects in the peripheral area of the display panel.

Innovation Solution

A static electricity discharge circuit unit is integrated in the peripheral area of the display panel, comprising a signal wire with a first and second portion separated by a separation space and connected by a member at a different layer, and a plurality of static electricity discharge diodes connected to the signal wire with a shorting bar, to prevent or disperse static electricity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If wires are disposed closely to each other in the peripheral area to reduce device size, then area is reduced, but static electricity damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral areaVSAvoidstatic electricity damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A discharge circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the closely disposed wires in the peripheral area. This discharge circuit includes a discharge electrode and a reference electrode that provide a controlled path for static electricity to dissipate, preventing direct damage to the wires and electrical elements while maintaining the compact wire layout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful static electricity that would normally damage the closely disposed wires is converted into a beneficial controlled discharge process. The discharge circuit captures the static electricity and provides a safe dissipation path, transforming the harmful effect into a controlled electrical phenomenon that protects the circuit elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If gate driving circuit is integrated in the display panel to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but vulnerability to static electricity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidstatic electricity resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gate driving circuit is segmented into multiple functional blocks (first gate driving circuit, second gate driving circuit, etc.) that are distributed across the display panel. This segmentation allows each block to be protected by dedicated discharge circuits, reducing the overall vulnerability while maintaining integration benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Discharge circuits are pre-positioned around the integrated gate driving circuit blocks before static electricity can cause damage. These discharge circuits act as protective cushions that are already in place to capture and dissipate static electricity during manufacturing and testing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If discharge circuit is added to protect against static electricity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic electricity protectionVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge circuit is implemented using thin film structures that are deposited on the substrate alongside the display elements. This approach adds minimal structural complexity while providing effective static electricity protection, as the thin film discharge circuits integrate seamlessly with the existing display panel architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge circuit elements are merged with the existing display panel structure and manufacturing processes. The discharge electrodes and reference electrodes are formed using the same thin film deposition techniques as the display elements, combining the protective function with the display structure rather than adding separate complex components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively reduces or prevents static electricity from flowing into wires and nearby electrical elements, thereby minimizing defects and protecting the gate driver and other electrical components from damage.

Implementation Method 1

a static electricity discharge circuit unit positioned at the peripheral area and connected to the signal wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS10256226B2Display device including electrostatic discharge circuit

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a display device including a static electricity discharge circuit. The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a thin film transistor array panel including a display area including a plurality of pixels and a peripheral area around the display area; a signal wire positioned at the peripheral area; and a static electricity discharge circuit unit positioned at the peripheral area and connected to the signal wire, wherein the static electricity discharge circuit unit includes a first portion and a second portion positioned at a same layer as a portion of the signal wire and facing each other with a separation space therebetween, and a connecting member positioned at a different layer from the first portion and the second portion and electrically connecting the first portion and the second portion.