Rounded-Edge Display Data-Line Routing to Reduce Bezel Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices face challenges in minimizing the non-display area, which is typically occupied by the bezel and fan-out lines, leading to increased line resistance and reduced aesthetic appeal, especially in thinner, lighter designs.

Innovation Solution

The display device rearranges the sequence of data voltages output from the data driving circuit, simplifying the fan-out line arrangement by connecting odd-numbered output channels directly to data lines in one area and even-numbered channels through bypass lines in the other area, reducing the non-display area and line resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the conventional arrangement of fan-out lines is used to connect data driving circuit output channels to data lines, then the connection is straightforward, but the non-display area increases and line resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-display areaVSAvoidline resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by changing the conventional connection sequence. Instead of connecting output channels in sequential order (1st channel to 1st data line, 2nd channel to 2nd data line, etc.), the patent connects odd-numbered output channels (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) to data lines in one area and even-numbered output channels (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) through bypass lines to data lines in another area. This inverted connection pattern allows fan-out lines to be arranged more efficiently, reducing the non-display area while maintaining acceptable line resistance levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Area of stationary object

If the non-display area is reduced to improve aesthetic quality, then the display device becomes more compact, but line resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-display areaVSAvoidline length
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection paths into two distinct groups: odd-numbered output channels connected directly to data lines in one area, and even-numbered output channels connected through bypass lines to data lines in another area. This segmentation allows the fan-out lines to be optimized independently for each group, reducing the overall non-display area required while controlling the length and resistance of individual line segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If fan-out lines are arranged in a conventional sequence, then the routing is simple, but the bezel thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting complexityVSAvoidbezel thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the conventional sequential connection approach, the patent achieves a more compact fan-out line arrangement that reduces bezel thickness. The inverted pattern of connecting odd-numbered channels in one sequence and even-numbered channels through bypass lines in another sequence allows for optimized space utilization in the non-display area, thereby reducing the required bezel thickness while maintaining manageable routing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3751388B1Display device having data lines in rounded edge and straight edge parts
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3751388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3751388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3751388B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a display portion having a substantially rectangular area with rounded edges in which a plurality of data lines are arranged. The display device includes a first area corresponding to a rounded edge part and a second area corresponding to a straight edge part adjacent to the first area. A data driving circuit includes a plurality of output channels configured to output data voltages. Odd-numbered output channels output data voltages according to a sequential arrangement of data lines in the second area. Even-numbered output channels output data voltages according to a reverse sequential arrangement of data lines in the first area.