Display Substrate Alignment Mark Visibility via Segmented Light Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

In flat panel displays, the outer signal lines in the non-display region reflect exterior light, causing visibility deterioration, and shielding these lines with a light-shielding member also obscures alignment marks, leading to reduced visibility and accuracy in subsequent processes.

Innovation Solution

A method for manufacturing a display device that includes forming an alignment mark on the front surface and an alignment protection pattern on the rear surface of the substrate, with a light-shielding member in the non-display region, where the alignment protection pattern and light-shielding member have opposite polarities, preventing overlap and allowing the alignment mark to remain visible while shielding light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a light-shielding member is formed in the non-display region to prevent light reflection from outer signal lines, then visibility deterioration of the display region is prevented, but the alignment mark in the same region becomes shielded and its visibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight reflection from outer signal linesVSAvoidvisibility of alignment mark

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the non-display region into functionally distinct zones: one area for the light-shielding member and another area for the alignment mark. By segmenting the space and assigning different functions to different regions, both light shielding and alignment mark visibility are achieved simultaneously without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different properties to different locations within the non-display region. The light-shielding member has light-blocking properties in its specific area, while the alignment mark area maintains light-transmissive or reflective properties to ensure visibility. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between shielding and visibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the alignment mark is positioned in the non-display region for alignment purposes, then alignment function is achieved, but the mark becomes vulnerable to being shielded by the light-shielding member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidvisibility reliability of alignment mark

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the conflict by transitioning from a two-dimensional plane conflict to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The alignment mark and light-shielding member are positioned at different locations within the non-display region, creating a spatial separation that allows both to fulfill their functions simultaneously. The alignment mark is positioned in an area not occupied by the light-shielding member, ensuring both alignment accuracy and visibility reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the non-display region is used for both light shielding and alignment mark placement, then space utilization is improved, but functional interference occurs between the two elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutilization of non-display regionVSAvoidfunctional interference in non-display region

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the non-display region into distinct functional zones, allocating specific areas for light shielding and alignment mark placement. This segmentation prevents functional interference while maintaining efficient space utilization, as both elements coexist in the same non-display region without overlapping or interfering with each other's operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach prevents visibility deterioration of the alignment mark, improves alignment accuracy, and reduces bubble formation during optical film adhesion, enhancing the overall visibility and process accuracy of the display device.

Implementation Method 1

Any one of the alignment protection pattern and the light-shielding member may be formed of a hydrophilic material and the other is formed of a hydrophobic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophile: Hydrophile

Implementation Method 2

Any one of the alignment protection pattern and the light-shielding member may be formed of a hydrophilic material and the other is formed of a hydrophobic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobe: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS10504849B2Display device and method for manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for forming a display device. The method includes forming an alignment mark on a front surface of a substrate having a display region and a non-display region surrounding the display region, forming an alignment protection pattern on a rear surface of the substrate such that the alignment protection pattern overlaps the alignment mark, and forming a light-shielding member in the non-display region on the rear surface of the substrate such that the light-shielding member forms a boundary with the alignment protection pattern.