Display Device Dam Stopper Alignment Solution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in manufacturing liquid crystal display devices is to achieve a slim bezel while preventing the diffusion of alignment solution into non-display areas, which complicates the process and increases the overall width of the non-display area, making it difficult to realize a slim bezel.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dams with stoppers and alignment layers on the substrates, where the stoppers have recessed grooves and lyophobic properties, inhibiting the diffusion of alignment solution through inkjet printing, and the alignment layers extending to the non-display areas to terminate at the stoppers, thereby controlling the solution's spread and maintaining a slim bezel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If alignment solution is allowed to diffuse freely into non-display areas, then the alignment layer can be formed uniformly, but the overall width of the non-display area increases, making it difficult to realize a slim bezel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the non-display area into two functional zones: a dam structure that acts as a physical barrier to contain the alignment solution, and a stopper structure that prevents the alignment solution from entering the bezel area. This segmentation allows the alignment layer to be formed uniformly in the display area while preventing excessive diffusion into the non-display area, thereby maintaining a slim bezel width.
Solution Approach 2:
The dam and stopper structures serve as intermediary elements between the alignment solution and the bezel area. These intermediaries selectively permit the alignment solution to diffuse into the non-display area for proper alignment layer formation while blocking further diffusion that would increase the bezel width. The stopper specifically acts as a mediator to control the boundary of alignment solution penetration.
2Length of stationary object
If dams and stoppers are added to control alignment solution diffusion, then the bezel width can be reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dam structure with existing manufacturing steps, forming the dam simultaneously with other substrate structures rather than adding it as a separate process. The stopper is integrated into the dam formation process. This merging approach reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and simplifies the overall process while still achieving effective control of alignment solution diffusion to maintain a slim bezel.
Solution Approach 2:
The dam structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a barrier to contain the alignment solution, provides a support structure for the stopper, and can be integrated with other substrate components. The stopper simultaneously prevents alignment solution entry into the bezel area and defines the boundary of the alignment layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate structures and simplifies the overall device design.
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 effectively reduces the diffusion of alignment solution into non-display areas, simplifies the manufacturing process, and allows for the realization of a slim bezel by controlling the alignment solution's spread, thus maintaining a predetermined cell gap and overall device width.
Implementation Method 1
The stoppers have recessed grooves and lyophobic properties, inhibiting the diffusion of alignment solution through inkjet printing
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a first substrate including a display area and a non-display area which is arranged outside the display area; a first dam which is disposed in the non-display area of the first substrate and which includes a first stopper having a recessed groove at a surface thereof; and a first alignment layer which covers the display area of the first substrate, the first alignment layer defining a first portion thereof which extends to the non-display area and terminates at the surface of the first stopper.