Black Matrix Fabrication via UV Side Surface Hydrophilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for fabricating black matrices in color filters result in non-uniform brightness due to hydrophobic side surfaces that cause light leakage, as they do not effectively alter the hydrophobicity of the side surfaces, leading to uneven ink coating and emission.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of a hydrophobic organic black matrix layer on a transparent substrate, followed by patterning and making the side surfaces hydrophilic through ultraviolet irradiation, either directly or with the aid of a reflection plate or blocking layers, while maintaining the upper surface hydrophobic, thereby improving ink adhesion and reducing light leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the black matrix layer is formed of hydrophobic organic material, then the upper surface maintains hydrophobicity for ink repulsion, but the side surfaces remain hydrophobic causing light leakage and non-uniform brightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink coating uniformityVSAvoidlight leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different surface properties to different parts of the black matrix: the upper surface maintains hydrophobicity to repel ink and maintain manufacturing simplicity, while the side surfaces are selectively modified to be hydrophilic through UV irradiation or plasma treatment. This local differentiation of surface properties allows the black matrix to simultaneously achieve ink repulsion on top and light leakage prevention on the sides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the black matrix side surfaces by exposing them to UV rays or plasma treatment. This parameter change transforms the side surfaces from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, enabling uniform ink filling in the pixel regions while maintaining the original hydrophobic upper surface for ink pattern formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If UV rays are used to make side surfaces hydrophilic, then light leakage is reduced, but the upper surface hydrophobicity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight leakageVSAvoidsurface hydrophobicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the UV irradiation process to affect only specific regions. By controlling the UV exposure geometry or using masking techniques, only the side surfaces of the black matrix are irradiated while the upper surface remains protected. This spatial segmentation allows selective modification of surface properties without compromising the overall hydrophobic character needed for ink pattern formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary protective measures before UV irradiation to preserve the upper surface hydrophobicity. This may involve using a mask or positioning arrangement that prevents UV exposure of the upper surface while allowing side surface treatment. The preliminary protection ensures that the upper surface maintains its ink-repelling properties after the hydrophilization process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The method ensures uniform ink filling between black matrix patterns, significantly reducing light leakage and enhancing brightness uniformity in display devices by making the side surfaces hydrophilic while keeping the upper surfaces hydrophobic.

Implementation Method 1

making the side surfaces of the black matrix hydrophilic by irradiating a lower surface of the transparent substrate with ultraviolet rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet irradiation: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

irradiating a lower surface of the transparent substrate with ultraviolet rays while heating the black matrix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS7371487B2Method of fabricating black matrix of a color filter
Publication Date: 2008.05.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US7371487B2 patent drawing
  • US7371487B2 patent drawing
  • US7371487B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of fabricating a black matrix of a color filter is provided. In the method, a black matrix layer formed of a hydrophobic organic material is formed on an upper surface of a transparent substrate. A black matrix is formed by patterning the black matrix layer. Side surfaces of the black matrix are made hydrophilic by irradiating a lower surface of the transparent substrate with ultraviolet rays while heating the black matrix. A black matrix provided by the method is also disclosed.