Stacked Display Signal Lines for Low-Resistance High Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

As display devices increase in size, the electrical resistance of signal lines in the non-display area increases, leading to deteriorated display characteristics due to the need for more signal lines to support higher resolution, which affects scan time and overall display quality.

Innovation Solution

The display device employs a layered structure with specific spacings and materials for signal lines, including different metals and insulating layers to reduce electrical resistance and improve scan time, featuring a narrow bezel design that enhances aesthetics and reduces color differences between pixels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the size of the display device increases and the number of signal lines increases to support high resolution, then the display resolution is improved, but the electrical resistance of the signal lines increases and display characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoiddisplay characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar signal line arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple signal lines are arranged in different layers (first, second, and third signal lines at different heights), allowing signals to be transmitted through vertical stacking rather than only horizontal expansion. This dimensional change reduces the electrical resistance by shortening the path length while maintaining high resolution capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where multiple signal lines are embedded within each other across different layers. The first, second, and third signal lines are positioned at different heights and connected through vertical connections, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces the overall footprint and electrical resistance without compromising the number of signal lines needed for high resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If the number of signal lines is increased to support high resolution, then the display resolution is improved, but the scan time of each signal line decreases and display quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidscan time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By arranging signal lines in multiple vertical layers rather than a single plane, the patent enables parallel signal transmission through different height levels. This three-dimensional configuration allows multiple signal lines to be scanned simultaneously or with reduced sequential delay, thereby maintaining shorter scan times even as the total number of signal lines increases for high resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the display area is increased, then the display size is improved, but the electrical resistance of signal lines increases due to longer transmission paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidelectrical resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vertical stacking of signal lines at different heights to create shorter transmission paths. Instead of extending signal lines horizontally across large display areas, the multi-layer configuration allows signals to reach distant pixels through compact vertical connections, thereby maintaining low electrical resistance even as the display area expands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3893283B1Display device
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3893283B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3893283B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3893283B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A display device includes a plurality of pixels and an upper signal line providing a data signal to the pixels. The upper signal line includes a first upper signal line including a first metal material, a second upper signal line including a second metal material which is different from the first metal material, and a third upper signal line including the first metal material. The first, second and third upper signal lines are arranged in order and respectively electrically connected to a plurality of connection lines including the second metal material. The connection lines are connected to a plurality of lower signal lines.