Color Filter Light Blocking Layer Prevents Mixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal displays (LCDs) using color filters suffer from low light efficiency and color reproducibility issues due to the absorption and mixing of light by color conversion layers, which reduces the overall image quality.
Innovation Solution
A color filter design incorporating a substrate with separate pixel regions, a first color conversion layer converting incident light to red light, a second color conversion layer converting incident light to green light, and a barrier wall with a light blocking layer to prevent light mixing, along with a planarization layer to ensure even light distribution, enhancing light efficiency and color purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If color filters are used to generate color light in LCD, then color reproduction is achieved, but light efficiency is reduced by 1/3
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color conversion function from the traditional color filter layer and relocates it to a separate color conversion layer positioned closer to the light source. This extraction allows the color conversion process to occur before light enters the liquid crystal layer, eliminating the need for light to pass through color filters twice and thereby improving light efficiency while maintaining color reproduction quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement of color conversion components from being integrated within the color filter layer to being positioned in a separate layer closer to the light source. This dimensional repositioning creates a new optical path where color conversion happens earlier in the light transmission sequence, resolving the contradiction between light efficiency and color reproduction.
2Illumination intensity
If quantum dot-color conversion layer is used to generate color light, then light efficiency is improved, but light emitted in various directions causes color mixing between adjacent pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light shielding layer as an intermediary component positioned between adjacent color conversion layers. This mediator blocks oblique light from reaching adjacent pixels, preventing color mixing while allowing the quantum dot color conversion layer to maintain its high light efficiency advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the color conversion structure by positioning separate color conversion layers for different colors (red, green, blue) at different locations relative to the light source. This segmentation, combined with the light shielding layer, prevents cross-contamination of light between adjacent color regions, ensuring color purity while maintaining the benefits of quantum dot color conversion.
3Illumination intensity
If color conversion layers are positioned close to light source, then light efficiency is improved, but light mixing between adjacent pixels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding layer serves as a mediator that selectively blocks harmful oblique light from reaching adjacent pixels while allowing useful light to pass through. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by eliminating the harmful light mixing effect without compromising the light efficiency gains from positioning color conversion layers near the light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by positioning light shielding structures specifically at locations where light mixing problems occur (between adjacent color conversion layers), rather than applying a uniform solution across the entire display. This localized approach maintains light efficiency in active regions while preventing color mixing at boundaries.
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 solution significantly improves light efficiency and color reproducibility by preventing light mixing between adjacent color conversion layers, resulting in better image quality and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first color conversion layer, over the first pixel region, arranged to convert incident light to light of a first color
Implementation Method 2
a second color conversion layer, over the second pixel region, arranged to convert the incident light to light of a second color
Implementation Method 3
a light blocking layer extending continuously on a bottom surface and a side surface of the barrier wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A color filter includes a substrate, a first color conversion layer, a second color conversion layer, a barrier wall, and a light blocking layer. The substrate includes a first pixel region spaced from a second pixel region. The first color conversion layer is on the first pixel region and converts incident light to light of a first color. The second color conversion layer is on the second pixel region and converts the incident light to light of a second color. The barrier wall is between the first and second color conversion layers over the substrate. The light blocking layer extends continuously on a bottom surface and a side surface of the barrier wall, and the bottom surface faces the substrate.