Curved LCD Alignment Layers for Viewing Angle Consistency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large-sized liquid crystal displays (LCDs) face issues with varying viewing angles, leading to differences in image quality when viewed from the center versus the edges, and curved LCDs suffer from misalignment during bending, which degrades display quality and reduces light transmittance due to conflicts in liquid crystal molecule alignment.
Innovation Solution
A curved LCD design featuring a first and second curved substrate with liquid crystal alignment layers having different polymerized reactive mesogen contents and pre-tilt angles, along with patterned electrodes, to align liquid crystal molecules vertically and obliquely, preventing alignment conflicts and enhancing light transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LCDs are curved to compensate for viewing angle differences, then viewing angle consistency is improved, but liquid crystal molecule alignment conflicts occur causing smudges and dark areas that reduce light transmittance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different pre-tilt angles at different locations on the curved substrate. Specifically, the liquid crystal alignment layers are designed with varying pre-tilt angles to match the local curvature requirements at different positions on the curved display surface, preventing alignment conflicts and eliminating smudges and dark areas while maintaining viewing angle consistency across the curved display
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pre-tilt angle parameter of the liquid crystal alignment layers to resolve the alignment conflict. By adjusting the pre-tilt angle according to the curvature requirements, the liquid crystal molecules can maintain proper alignment on the curved surface, preventing the formation of smudges and dark areas while preserving light transmittance and display quality
2Ease of manufacture
If liquid crystal alignment layers with uniform pre-tilt angles are used in curved LCDs, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but alignment conflicts cause smudges and dark areas reducing light transmittance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using uniform pre-tilt angles throughout the curved display, the patent implements location-specific pre-tilt angle adjustments in the liquid crystal alignment layers. This allows the alignment to adapt to the local curvature at different positions, preventing alignment conflicts and eliminating display defects while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through systematic design
3Area of stationary object
If large-sized LCDs are used, then screen size is increased, but viewing angle differences between center and edges become more pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent curves the entire display surface to match the natural viewing geometry. By forming the substrate and liquid crystal alignment layers into a curved structure, the display surface becomes adaptable to different viewing positions, allowing large-sized displays to maintain consistent viewing angles from both center and edge positions, effectively resolving the viewing angle inconsistency problem
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 design suppresses the occurrence of smudges or dark areas, improving light transmittance and display quality by maintaining consistent alignment of liquid crystal molecules across the curved substrate, thereby enhancing the viewing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first curved liquid crystal alignment layer disposed between the first curved substrate and the second curved substrate; a second curved liquid crystal alignment layer disposed between the first curved liquid crystal alignment layer and the second curved substrate
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal layer including first and second liquid crystal molecules with negative dielectric anisotropy and disposed between the first curved liquid crystal alignment layer and the second curved liquid crystal alignment layer
Data Source
AI summary
A curved liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes: a first curved substrate; a second curved substrate; a first curved liquid crystal alignment layer disposed between the first curved substrate and the second curved substrate; a second curved liquid crystal alignment layer includes polymerized reactive mesogens, and a polymerization initiator; and a liquid crystal layer including first and second liquid crystal molecules disposed between the first curved liquid crystal alignment layer and the second curved liquid crystal alignment layer. In an initial state when no electric field is applied, the first liquid crystal molecules are relatively vertically aligned as compared with the second liquid crystal molecules with respect to the first curved substrate and the second liquid crystal molecules are relatively tilt-aligned as compared with the first liquid crystal molecules with respect to the first curved substrate, wherein the first curved liquid crystal alignment layer does not have a polymerization initiator.