Concave-Sided Polygon Column Spacer for LCD Cell Gap Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional column spacers in liquid crystal display panels deform or collapse under external pressure, leading to cell gap non-uniformity and color irregularity, while increasing their number to enhance pressure resistance deteriorates the liquid crystal drip margin.
Innovation Solution
The use of column spacers with a concave-sided polygon shape, particularly formed with a photosensitive material and an average inclination angle of 60 degrees to 90 degrees or 10 degrees to 50 degrees, which disperses pressure effectively and maintains a stable space between substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional column spacers are used to maintain space between substrates, then the cell gap can be controlled, but the column spacers deform or collapse under external pressure causing cell gap non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by changing the bottom side shape from a conventional circle/ellipse to a concave-sided polygon with rounded corners. This curved and indented geometry increases the structural strength and pressure resistance of the column spacer while maintaining its ability to control cell gap uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by creating a concave-sided polygon shape with rounded corners instead of using symmetric conventional shapes like circles or ellipses. This asymmetric design optimizes the pressure distribution and enhances the spacer's resistance to external forces.
2Strength
If the number of column spacers is increased to improve pressure resistance, then pressure resistance improves, but the liquid crystal drip margin is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the geometric shape of individual column spacers with concave sides and rounded corners, the patent enhances the pressure resistance of each spacer, allowing for fewer spacers to be used while maintaining adequate pressure resistance. This reduces the total number of spacers and prevents liquid crystal material from being trapped between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the column spacer bottom side from conventional circular/elliptical shapes to concave-sided polygons with specific rounded corner designs. This parameter change optimizes the strength-to-volume ratio, providing better pressure resistance with less material and fewer spacers needed.
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 design enhances pressure resistance and maintains a uniform cell gap, preventing color irregularity and improving the liquid crystal drip margin by effectively dispersing external pressure and maintaining a stable space between substrates.
Implementation Method 1
the column spacer has a bottom side having a shape of a concave-sided polygon... effectively dispersing external pressure
Implementation Method 2
formed by exposure using a projection type of light exposer and a mask
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate, and a column spacer formed on at least one of the first substrate or the second substrate to maintain a space between the first and second substrates, wherein the column spacer has a bottom side having a shape of a concave-sided polygon.