Ring Pattern Signal Lines for Flexible Display Folding Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices face signal line disconnection issues when folded due to their straight line patterns, which disrupt the continuity of gate and data lines across the folding axis.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating ring pattern designs for gate and data lines, where adjacent ring patterns are connected at specific points, reducing the area perpendicular to the folding axis and minimizing disconnection risks during folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straight line patterns are used for signal lines, then manufacturing is simple, but signal lines disconnect when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transforming straight signal lines into ring patterns. The ring patterns have curved geometries that allow them to accommodate folding without disconnection. Specifically, the ring patterns are arranged such that they can deform elastically during folding while maintaining electrical continuity, resolving the contradiction between reliability during folding and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal lines are segmented into multiple ring patterns rather than using a single continuous straight line. Each ring pattern can independently deform during folding, and adjacent ring patterns are connected to maintain overall signal continuity. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability while managing the complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If ring patterns are used for signal lines, then signal transmission continuity is maintained during folding, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring patterns use curved geometries that can be fabricated using standard photolithography processes. The curvature is designed to match expected folding radii, allowing the patterns to deform naturally during folding without requiring complex manufacturing steps. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while achieving reliability during folding operations.
3Reliability
If ring patterns are connected at multiple positions, then signal continuity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent connects adjacent ring patterns at at least one position, which is sufficient to maintain signal continuity during folding. While multiple connection points would provide redundancy, the patent demonstrates that a single connection point per adjacent pair is adequate to prevent disconnection, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a substrate, gate lines disposed on the substrate and extending in a first direction, data lines insulated from the gate lines and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, pixels electrically connected to the gate lines and the data lines, wherein at least one line of the gate lines and the data lines comprises a ring pattern, wherein the ring pattern comprises rings and adjacent rings are electrically connected to each other in at least one position.