Stretchable Display Panel Hinge Area Width Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The excessive number of signal lines in the hinge areas of current stretchable display panels results in wide hinge areas, which negatively impacts bending and stretching performance, affecting the overall flexibility and uniformity of the display.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a reduced number of second power lines in the hinge areas, utilizing a metal grid pattern with staggered branch arrays to minimize line width and increase flexibility, while maintaining efficient signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of signal lines in hinge areas is increased to ensure complete signal transmission, then signal transmission completeness is improved, but hinge area width increases which deteriorates bending and stretching performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar parallel signal line arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement where signal lines are positioned in different layers (first source/drain wiring layer and second source/drain wiring layer). This vertical dimensionality allows multiple signal lines to occupy the same horizontal space without interfering with each other, thereby reducing the overall hinge area width while maintaining complete signal transmission coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the second source/drain wiring layer containing power lines (VDD, VSS) within or adjacent to the first source/drain wiring layer containing scan and data lines. This nested configuration allows signal lines to be embedded within the same hinge area structure, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the total width required for all signal lines while ensuring complete signal transmission.
2Length of moving object
If the distance between adjacent signal lines is reduced to minimize hinge area width, then hinge area width is reduced, but the risk of short circuits between signal lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the short circuit risk by separating signal lines into different vertical layers (first source/drain wiring layer and second source/drain wiring layer). This vertical separation in the z-dimension allows horizontal proximity of signal lines without direct contact, thereby reducing hinge area width while preventing short circuits through spatial isolation in three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces insulating structures (such as dielectric layers or barrier materials) between adjacent signal lines and between different wiring layers. These intermediary insulating elements prevent direct electrical contact between signal lines that are positioned close together horizontally, enabling reduced spacing while maintaining electrical isolation and preventing short circuits.
3Reliability
If signal lines are arranged in parallel with adequate spacing to prevent short circuits, then short circuit prevention is improved, but hinge area width increases which deteriorates stretching performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances stretching performance by arranging signal lines in multiple vertical layers rather than spreading them out horizontally. This three-dimensional configuration allows signal lines to be positioned close together in the horizontal plane (improving stretching performance) while maintaining adequate vertical separation to prevent short circuits, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the second source/drain wiring layer within the structural footprint of the first source/drain wiring layer, allowing both layers of signal lines to occupy the same horizontal space. This nested arrangement minimizes the total width required for all signal lines, improving stretching performance while the vertical stacking maintains electrical isolation to prevent short circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A stretchable display panel includes a stretchable substrate, a plurality of display units, and a wiring portion. The stretchable substrate includes island-shaped areas and hinge areas. Each of the hinge area includes a first hinge area and a second hinge area. The wiring portion at least include a first power line and second power lines. A number of the second power lines disposed in the second hinge area is less than a number of the second power lines disposed in the first hinge area.