Sensor Circuit for Signal Line Defect Detection in Bending Display Areas
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in accurately detecting abnormalities such as cracks or short circuits in signal lines within the bending area of display devices, as existing methods face difficulties due to structural limitations and inspection equipment constraints, leading to increased manufacturing costs and delayed product development.
Innovation Solution
A display device is designed with a sensor circuit that includes a sensing reference signal line, a read-out line, and sensing transistors connected to signal lines, allowing for the detection of abnormalities by applying specific voltage levels and determining circuitry to identify defects in the bending area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a bending structure is applied to reduce the size of the display device or bezel, then the display device size or bezel size is reduced, but cracks or short circuits in signal lines passing through the bending area occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a sensing circuit before the bending structure is fully assembled, allowing signal lines to be tested for cracks or short circuits while still accessible. The sensing circuit is integrated into the display panel structure prior to final assembly, enabling early detection and correction of defects before they cause device failure.
2Volume of moving object
If a bending structure is applied to reduce the size of the display device or bezel, then the display device size or bezel size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to check the presence or absence of abnormalities in signal lines through visual inspection or inspection equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing circuit that acts as a mediator between the signal lines and the inspection system. This sensing circuit converts physical defects (cracks, short circuits) into detectable electrical signals, enabling indirect detection of signal line abnormalities without requiring direct visual access to the bent areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/visual inspection methods with an electrical sensing system. Instead of using visual inspection or mechanical probing equipment that cannot access bent areas, the invention uses electrical circuits to detect defects through electrical property changes, substituting a mechanical inspection approach with an electrical field-based detection method.
3Adaptability or versatility
If signal lines are placed in the bending area to connect the driving circuit and active area, then the display device can achieve a narrow bezel design, but the frequency of defect occurrences in the bending area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the sensing circuit to continuously monitor the electrical properties of signal lines in the bending area. When defects such as cracks or short circuits occur, the sensing circuit detects changes in resistance or conductivity and provides feedback signals that indicate the presence and location of defects, enabling real-time monitoring of signal line health in the bending area.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to display devices, and more specifically, to a display device with a sensor circuit capable of sensing the presence or absence of an abnormality in a signal line located in a bending area. Through these, a display device is provided that enables an accurate check to be performed for the presence or absence of an abnormality, such as a crack, or the like in signal lines located in the bending area, and thus, has a normal bending structure without defects.