Alternating Electrode Cutouts for LCD Viewing Angle and Transmittance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in the vertically aligned mode face a challenge in achieving high transmittance without compromising response speed, as the formation of cutouts in the electrodes can reduce transmittance and increase response time.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a liquid crystal display with alternately arranged cutouts on the pixel and common electrodes, along with alignment aids in the alignment layer, which pre-tilt the liquid crystal molecules to enhance response speed while maintaining high transmittance by optimizing the interval between cutouts and using polyimide or polysiloxane-based alignment layers with vinyl, meta acryl, or cinnamoyl groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cutouts are formed in the electrodes to create domains, then viewing angle is improved, but transmittance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different electrode configurations in different regions of the pixel. Specifically, the first electrode has cutouts in a first region while the second electrode has cutouts in a second region, allowing each region to have optimized properties for both domain formation and light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving from a single-plane cutout design to a multi-dimensional approach where cutouts are arranged in alternating patterns on both electrodes. This creates overlapping fringe fields that form domains more efficiently while maintaining higher open area for light transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cutouts are formed in the electrodes to create domains, then viewing angle is improved, but response speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized electric field enhancements at the cutout edges in specific regions, which accelerates the response speed in those critical areas while maintaining the overall domain structure needed for wide viewing angle.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging cutouts on both electrodes in alternating patterns, the patent creates a three-dimensional fringe field structure that enhances the electric field distribution more effectively than single-plane cutouts, improving response speed without compromising viewing angle.
3Illumination intensity
If electrode interval is increased to improve transmittance, then transmittance is improved, but response speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains a relatively large overall electrode interval for high transmittance, but creates localized electric field enhancements at the cutout edges where the fringe fields are most effective. This allows the bulk of the pixel area to transmit light efficiently while the cutout regions provide the necessary field strength for fast response.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating cutout pattern on both electrodes creates a multi-layered fringe field structure that enhances the electric field distribution throughout the liquid crystal layer, maintaining response speed even with larger electrode intervals.
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
This configuration minimizes transmittance deterioration and increases response speed by pre-tilting liquid crystal molecules, thereby improving the viewing angle and overall performance of the LCD.
Implementation Method 1
alignment aids disposed in at least one of the liquid crystal layer and the alignment layer, wherein the pixel electrode comprise a first cutout, the common electrode comprises a second cutout
Implementation Method 2
voltages are applied to the field generating electrodes, so as to generate an electric field in the liquid crystal layer. The alignment of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is determined by the electric field
Implementation Method 3
A liquid crystal layer is interposed between the panels
Implementation Method 4
The domains may be formed by aligning the liquid crystal molecules perpendicularly with respect to a fringe field generated between the edges of the cutouts and the field generating electrodes facing the edges
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display is provided that includes: a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a switching element disposed on the first substrate; a pixel electrode connected to the switching element; a common electrode disposed on the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; an alignment layer disposed on at least one of the pixel electrode and the common electrode; and alignment aids in at least one of the liquid crystal layer and the alignment layer. The pixel electrode includes a first cutout, the common electrode includes a second cutout, and the first cutout and the second cutout are alternately arranged.