Array Substrate Via Groove Structure for Bubble-Free Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid crystal display panels, the formation of grooves on the pixel electrode layer due to via holes can lead to bubble generation and poor alignment of the alignment film, resulting in display abnormalities.

Innovation Solution

The array substrate incorporates a via hole structure with drainage grooves on its edges, allowing the alignment liquid to flow smoothly and evenly cover the pixel electrode layer, ensuring proper alignment film formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a common electrode and black matrix are disposed in each pixel electrode area, then liquid crystal display panels can be manufactured, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and productivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the display into two distinct regions: a first pixel electrode area with a simplified structure (only common electrode and black matrix) and a second pixel electrode area with the complete structure (including transparent electrode, common electrode, and black matrix). This segmentation allows different manufacturing processes for different regions, improving overall productivity while maintaining display performance in the functional area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the transparent electrode and corresponding data line from the first pixel electrode area, removing unnecessary components from regions where they are not needed. This extraction simplifies the structure in the first area, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving productivity without affecting the display function in the second area where these components are retained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If transparent electrodes and data lines are disposed in all pixel electrode areas, then electrical connectivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and defects may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different structures in different regions: the first pixel electrode area has a simplified structure without transparent electrodes or data lines, while the second pixel electrode area has the complete structure with all electrical components. This localized differentiation optimizes electrical connectivity where needed while reducing complexity where it is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The display is segmented into two functional zones with distinct structural characteristics. The segmentation allows the patent to optimize each zone independently - the first zone for simplified manufacturing and the second zone for full electrical functionality - thereby resolving the contradiction between connectivity and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution ensures that each position of the pixel electrode layer is covered with an alignment film, preventing bubble formation and ensuring normal display of the liquid crystal display panel.

Implementation Method 1

the drainage groove is recessed in a direction from an inner wall of the via hole away from the inner portion of the via hole... allowing the alignment liquid to flow smoothly and evenly cover the pixel electrode layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3690536B1Array substrate, manufacturing method for the array substrate and liquid crystal display panel
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
  • EP3690536B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690536B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3690536B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An array substrate (100), a manufacturing method for the array substrate (100), and a liquid crystal display panel (200). The array substrate (100) comprises a source/drain layer (20), a pixel electrode layer (40), and a spacer layer (30). The spacer layer (30) is provided with a via structure (50), and the pixel electrode layer (40) is electrically connected with the source/drain layer (20) through the via structure (50). The via structure (50) comprises a via (51), and a plurality of liquid guiding grooves (52) disposed at intervals on the edge of the via (51). A groove (41) is formed on the pixel electrode layer (40) at a position corresponding to the via (51), and a liquid guiding sub-groove (42) is formed on the pixel electrode layer at positions corresponding to each of the liquid guiding grooves (52). When an alignment layer (60) is disposed on the pixel electrode layer (40), an alignment liquid which forms the alignment layer (60) can flow through the liquid guiding sub-grooves (42) into the groove (41) on the pixel electrode layer (40), so that the position of the groove (41) on the pixel electrode layer (40) can also cover the alignment layer (60), thereby ensuring the normal display of the liquid crystal display panel (200) formed by the array substrate (100).