Static Electricity Blocking Layers for Flexible Display Driving Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display devices with embedded touch sensors are vulnerable to static electricity, which can damage driving circuits and wiring, leading to operational defects.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a first static electricity blocking layer on the driving circuit unit and a second static electricity blocking layer overlapping the sensing electrodes in the touch sensor to protect the driving circuits from external static electricity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the display device is made thin and flexible with embedded touch sensor, then the display device achieves flexibility and thinness, but the driving circuits and wiring become vulnerable to static electricity damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethinness and flexibilityVSAvoidvulnerability to static electricity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A static electricity blocking layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the driving circuit and the external environment. This blocking layer acts as a mediator that intercepts and dissipates static electricity before it can reach and damage the driving circuit, thereby resolving the vulnerability issue while maintaining the thin and flexible structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The static electricity blocking layer is disposed in advance over the driving circuit unit to provide preemptive protection. By positioning the blocking layer before the driving circuit is exposed to potential static electricity sources, the system prevents damage before it can occur, addressing the reliability concern without compromising the thin design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the edge of the display device includes various driving circuits and wiring, then the display device achieves functional capability, but the driving circuits and wiring are damaged by external static electricity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidstatic electricity damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The static electricity blocking layer serves as a protective intermediary that specifically targets and blocks harmful static electricity from reaching the driving circuits. This allows the driving circuits to maintain their functional capability while being shielded from the harmful external factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The static electricity blocking layer is selectively disposed over the driving circuit unit, providing localized protection precisely where the vulnerable components are located. This targeted approach protects the driving circuits from static electricity damage without affecting other areas of the display device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the first static electricity blocking layer is disposed on the driving circuit unit and the second static electricity blocking layer is disposed overlapping the sensing electrodes, then protection against static electricity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against static electricityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second static electricity blocking layers are merged into a unified protective structure that serves dual functions: protecting the driving circuit and protecting the sensing electrodes. By combining these protective functions into an integrated design, the patent enhances reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The static electricity blocking layers are designed to perform multiple protective functions simultaneously. The first blocking layer protects the driving circuit unit while the second blocking layer protects the sensing electrodes, creating a multi-functional protective system that addresses multiple vulnerability points with a coordinated approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution effectively reduces or suppresses damage to the driving circuits and wiring due to static electricity, enhancing the durability and reliability of the display device even under strong static electricity exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a first static electricity blocking layer disposed on the driving circuit unit... a second static electricity blocking layer disposed overlapping the first static electricity blocking layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS11226693B2Display device with touch sensor

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel and a touch sensor which is disposed on the display panel. The display panel includes a display unit including a pixel, a driving circuit unit disposed outside the display unit, and a first static electricity blocking layer disposed on the driving circuit unit. The touch sensor includes sensing electrodes disposed on the display unit and a second static electricity blocking layer disposed overlapping the first static electricity blocking layer outside of the sensing electrodes.