Stepped Circuit Board for Reduced Bezel Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing structure of connectors on circuit boards in liquid crystal display devices hinders the reduction of bezel width due to their fixed position, which obstructs the thinning of the display devices and affects light efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board design where the supporting substrate with a mounted connector is formed lower than the substrate without a connector, with a connecting portion between them to adjust the step difference and prevent light obstruction, allowing for flexible material usage and varied shapes to optimize space and light efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the connector is mounted on the circuit board in the conventional fixed position, then the connector can be easily connected, but the bezel width cannot be reduced and the display device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by creating a stepped structure where the connector mounting area is positioned at a different height level than the main circuit board surface. This vertical dimensionality allows the connector to be mounted lower, reducing its horizontal space occupation and enabling bezel width reduction while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is segmented into different height levels - a main surface and a lower connector mounting portion. This segmentation allows the connector to be isolated in a separate spatial zone, reducing interference with light emitting elements and enabling compact display device design.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the connector is positioned to supply electric current to light emitting elements, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connector covers the light emitting elements and reduces light efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by moving the connector to a lower height dimension, creating a stepped structure where the connector mounting portion is below the main circuit board surface. This vertical separation ensures the connector does not obstruct light from the emitting elements while maintaining electrical connection reliability through the lower positioned mounting area.
3Length of stationary object
If the circuit board structure is thinned to reduce display device thickness, then the display device becomes thinner, but the connector structure prevents further thickness reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit board into a main thin body and a separate lower connector mounting portion. This segmentation allows the main circuit board to be thinned for compact display design while the connector mounting area is positioned lower, effectively separating the thickness concerns of the circuit board from the connector structure.
4Area of stationary object
If the connector mounting area is lowered to reduce space occupation, then the bezel width is reduced, but a step difference is created between the connector area and the rest of the circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embraces the step difference created by lowering the connector mounting area as a deliberate design feature rather than a defect. By transitioning from a two-dimensional flat board to a three-dimensional stepped structure, the patent reduces the horizontal space occupied by the connector, thereby reducing bezel width while managing the vertical step difference through proper structural design.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a circuit board including: a supporting substrate (10) including a first region to which light emitting elements (30) are mounted and a second region extending to be bent from the first region, wherein the second region comprises: a connector mounting portion (50) to which a connector (40) for supplying an electric current to the light emitting elements (30) is mounted; and a non-mounting portion of a connector (60) separated and spaced apart from the connector mounting portion (50), wherein the connector mounting portion (50) is formed lower than the non-mounting portion of the connector (60).