On April 15, 2025, Chinese LCD manufacturer Tongxingda (stock code: 002845) was granted a utility model patent titled “A Display Module for Reducing FPC Bending Dimensions” (Patent No. CN202420659846.5), marking a significant breakthrough in China’s display technology in the area of optimizing screen‑to‑body ratios for smart devices. This innovation not only provides technical support for design innovations in consumer electronics such as smartphones and tablets but also underscores the technological competitiveness of Chinese display manufacturers within the global display industry chain.

Technological Breakthrough: From Structural Optimization to Enhanced User Experience

The core of this patent lies in addressing the physical limitations of conventional display modules through innovative structural design. Specifically, Tongxingda employs chamfered or rounded corners at the interface between the liquid crystal glass and the flexible printed circuit (FPC), enabling adhesive to flow along the edges during curing. This approach keeps the protrusion caused by FPC bending within the 0.25–0.5 mm range—approximately 30% less than in traditional designs. This improvement significantly increases the screen‑to‑body ratio, further narrowing the device’s bezels, while also reducing the risk of adhesive overflow and streamlining the manufacturing process.

At the technological application level, this breakthrough directly addresses consumers’ demand in the 5G era for devices with high screen-to-body ratios and ultra‑slim form factors. For instance, smartphone display areas can be expanded by 3% to 5%, and when paired with high‑refresh‑rate display technology, it delivers a more immersive gaming and video experience. Moreover, the optimized module architecture enhances both durability and portability, offering display‑touchscreen manufacturers a differentiated technological pathway for competitive advantage.

Industry Background: The Global Competitive Landscape of China’s LCD Displays is Being Reconfigured

Currently, Chinese LCD panel manufacturers are reshaping the global market landscape through technological innovation and capacity consolidation. Although LCD technology faces challenges from emerging technologies such as Mini LED backlighting in the large‑size TV segment, it continues to dominate the small- and medium‑size smart device market. Data indicate that by 2025, global shipments of LCD smartphone panels are expected to reach 1.45 billion units, accounting for more than 75% of the overall market. Tongxingda’s patented technologies have arrived at an opportune moment, enhancing the integration and aesthetic appeal of LCD modules and further solidifying Chinese companies’ competitive edge in the small- and medium‑size display sector.

Notably, the specialized strategic positioning of Chinese display‑touchscreen manufacturers in niche segments also merits attention. For instance, companies such as CNK, leveraging their R&D capabilities in small‑ and medium‑size display modules, have established deep partnerships with leading brands like Haier and Desay, with their products serving applications in medical devices, automotive systems, and smart home ecosystems. Tongxingda’s technological breakthroughs could trigger a ripple effect across the industry, prompting more manufacturers to ramp up R&D investment in screen‑to‑body ratio optimization technologies.

Market Impact: From Cost Advantages to the Establishment of Technological Barriers

Tongxingda’s patents are not only the result of technological innovation but also a microcosm of the Chinese display industry’s transformation from “scale expansion” to “technology leadership.” In 2024, Tongxingda invested RMB 163 million in R&D; although the number of patent grants declined by 38.1% year over year, its strategy of focusing on core technologies has strengthened its technological barriers. This approach complements the strategies of leading companies such as BOE and TCL CSOT, which have expanded LCD production capacity through mergers and acquisitions, together fostering diversified competitiveness within China’s display industry.

From the perspective of market application prospects, this technology can be extended to areas such as in-vehicle displays and wearable devices. For example, in the design of smart‑car central control screens, narrower bezels can enhance the concentration of driving information; meanwhile, in AR/VR devices, high‑aspect‑ratio modules can reduce device weight and improve user experience. According to industry forecasts, the global in‑vehicle display market is expected to exceed US$10 billion by 2025, with Chinese manufacturers poised to capture a larger market share through technological advancements.

Future Challenges and Prospects

Despite the promising technological outlook, Chinese display manufacturers still face multiple challenges:

1. Pressure from technological iteration: OLED and Micro LED technologies continue to challenge the LCD market, necessitating differentiated innovation to maintain competitiveness.

2. Supply Chain Collaboration: The increasing precision of display modules places higher demands on upstream materials, such as ultra-thin FPCs, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen collaboration across the industry chain.

3. Patent Strategy: As global competition in display‑technology patents intensifies, it is essential to establish a more robust patent portfolio to mitigate international disputes.

Tongxingda’s breakthrough has injected new momentum into China’s display industry; its technological roadmap could become an industry standard, helping display‑touchscreen manufacturers shift from a “cost‑driven” to a “technology‑driven” model. As smart devices evolve toward ultra‑thin designs and borderless displays, the global influence of Chinese LCD panels is poised to grow further, marking another milestone for “Made in China.”

About CNK

CNK Electronics, founded in Shenzhen in 2010 and expanding its investment in Wuping, Fujian, in 2019, is a specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative enterprise integrating the design, development, manufacturing, and sales of display devices. The company is committed to seamlessly blending smart technology with display innovation, offering customers worldwide a comprehensive portfolio of high‑quality, cost‑effective small- and medium‑size displays, along with tailored solutions and services. Guided by technological advancement and underpinned by uncompromising quality, CNK adheres to the principles of sustainable development, striving to become a leading innovator in the display industry and delivering superior, reliable, and responsive service to its clients.