Bump Spacer Structure for LCD Aperture Ratio and Alignment Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
LCD devices face issues with alignment layer damage and light leakage due to column spacer movement, which affects the aperture ratio and image quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bump spacer structure on the TFT substrate, comprising organic and inorganic layers, to absorb external pressure and prevent alignment layer damage, combined with strategically positioned column spacers on the color filter substrate to buffer external pressure and maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If column spacers are positioned in the aperture area to maintain cell gap, then alignment layer damage and light leakage occur due to external pressure, but aperture ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the spacer structure into two distinct parts: column spacers positioned in the shielding area and bump spacers positioned in the aperture area. This segmentation allows each type of spacer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between protection and aperture area.
Solution Approach 2:
The bump spacer acts as an intermediary element that absorbs external pressure before it reaches the alignment layer. By positioning bump spacers in the aperture area, they serve as a protective mediator that prevents direct contact between column spacers and the alignment layer, eliminating light leakage while maintaining aperture ratio.
2Length of stationary object
If column spacers are placed in the aperture area, then cell gap is maintained, but light leakage occurs due to alignment layer damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer system is segmented into column spacers for structural support in the shielding area and bump spacers for pressure absorption in the aperture area. This segmentation prevents alignment layer damage in the aperture area, eliminating light leakage while maintaining cell gap through the combined action of both spacer types.
Solution Approach 2:
Bump spacers are positioned in advance in the aperture area to provide cushioning protection before external pressure can damage the alignment layer. This beforehand cushioning prevents light leakage by stopping pressure-induced alignment layer damage before it occurs.
3Length of stationary object
If external pressure is applied to maintain contact between substrates, then cell gap is maintained, but column spacer movement damages the alignment layer
Solution Approach 1:
Bump spacers serve as intermediary elements that absorb external pressure, preventing direct transmission of force to the alignment layer. This intermediary protection maintains cell gap through pressure absorption while preventing column spacer movement that would damage the alignment layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The bump spacer structure provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned to absorb external pressure before it can cause column spacer movement. This protective mechanism maintains cell gap while preserving alignment layer integrity under external pressure.
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 effectively prevents alignment layer damage and light leakage, enhancing the aperture ratio and maintaining image quality by absorbing impacts and maintaining alignment, even under external pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a bump spacer which corresponds to the column spacer array on the second substrate and protects the column spacer array from damage due to external pressure
Implementation Method 2
a column spacer which maintains a cell gap between the first substrate and the second substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an apparatus and an LCD device. An apparatus includes a color filter (CF) substrate having a black matrix layer, a thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate facing said CF substrate, a column spacer array, between said CF substrate and said TFT substrate, corresponding to certain portions of said black matrix layer, and a structure, between said CF substrate and said TFT substrate, corresponding to said column spacer array and configured to protect said column spacer array from damage due to external pressure.