Transparent Conductive Layer Positioning in Array Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transparent conductive layer on TFT-LCD array substrates is prone to scratches during assembly, leading to malfunction of the electrostatic discharge component and affecting the quality of the display device, especially as frame sizes narrow and wiring regions become smaller.

Innovation Solution

The transparent conductive layer is positioned below the passivation layer, providing protection and preventing scratches from other components, with specific configurations involving via holes for connecting electrodes and additional passivation and planarization layers for enhanced protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the transparent conductive layer is positioned on the outermost layer of the array substrate, then it is easy to be scratched by other components during assembly, but this exposes the electrostatic discharge component to damage and affects display device quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidprotection of electrostatic discharge component
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent conductive layer is repositioned from the outermost surface to an intermediate layer within the multi-layer structure. By changing its vertical position in the layer stack (from surface to interior), the patent protects the conductive layer while maintaining electrical functionality through via-hole connections.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent conductive layer is nested within the protective structure formed by the passivation layer and insulating layers. The conductive layer becomes embedded in the multi-layer configuration, surrounded by protective materials that prevent scratching while allowing electrical connections through designated via holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of moving object

If the frame of the display device becomes narrower and wiring region becomes smaller, then the display device achieves smaller size, but the distance between components becomes smaller increasing the risk of scratches to the transparent conductive layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe widthVSAvoidscratch risk to transparent conductive layer
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the reduced spacing issue by moving the transparent conductive layer to an intermediate position within the layer stack, creating vertical separation from potential scratching components. This dimensional repositioning provides protective spacing without increasing the horizontal footprint of the device.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The passivation layer and insulating layers are positioned above the transparent conductive layer to provide beforehand protection. These protective layers act as a cushioning barrier that prevents direct contact between the conductive layer and external components that might cause scratches during assembly or operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10181465B2Array substrate, display device and manufacturing method of array substrate
Publication Date: 2019.01.15 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US10181465B2 patent drawing
  • US10181465B2 patent drawing
  • US10181465B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention provide an array substrate, a display device and a manufacturing method of the array substrate. The array substrate comprises a substrate (10) and a plurality of electrostatic discharge short-circuit rings (20) provided on the substrate. Each of the electrostatic discharge short-circuit rings (20) comprises a gate electrode (22), a gate insulating layer (26), an active layer (21), a source electrode (23), a drain electrode (24) and a passivation layer (30). Each of the electrostatic discharge short-circuit ring (20) further comprises a transparent conductive layer (25) for connecting the gate electrode (22) and the drain electrode (24), and the transparent conductive layer (25) is provided below the passivation layer (30).