Fringe-Field Display Electrode Layout for Fewer Manufacturing Steps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal display devices face challenges in reducing manufacturing steps and improving reliability due to the complex processing steps required for forming multiple electrodes and wiring layers, which can lead to increased costs and potential short circuits.
Innovation Solution
The display device integrates pixel and signal electrodes in the same layer, using a single photomask process to form the signal lines, drain electrodes, and pixel electrodes, and alternately arranges branch portions of pixel and common electrodes to stabilize the electric field for liquid crystal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electrodes and wiring layers are formed using conventional processing steps, then the display device achieves proper electrical connections and liquid crystal control, but the manufacturing complexity increases and reliability decreases due to more processing steps and potential short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pixel electrode and signal line into a single conductive layer, eliminating the need for separate wiring layers. The signal line is formed as an integrated part of the pixel electrode structure, reducing the total number of layers and processing steps while maintaining proper electrical connections for liquid crystal control
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the pixel electrode for liquid crystal switching and the signal line for addressing and data transmission. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant structures and simplifies the overall device architecture
2Productivity
If multiple processing steps are used to form separate electrodes and wiring layers, then distinct electrical connections are achieved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of pixel electrodes and signal lines into a single photomask process. Both structures are patterned and formed simultaneously in the same conductive layer during one manufacturing cycle, eliminating multiple sequential processing steps and significantly improving manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The signal line structure is pre-integrated into the pixel electrode design from the outset. The conductive layer is prepared with both pixel electrode and signal line patterns simultaneously before subsequent manufacturing steps, avoiding the need for separate formation processes later in the production sequence
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 reduces the number of manufacturing steps and enhances the reliability of the display device by minimizing the risk of short circuits while maintaining stable liquid crystal alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is controlled by using a fringe electric field generated between a pair of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a pixel electrode and a common electrode are provided on one of a pair of substrates opposing each other via a liquid crystal layer, and the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is controlled using a horizontal electric field
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of signal lines, a plurality of pixels, a pixel electrode and a common electrode, wherein the pixel electrode includes a first trunk portion and a plurality of first branch portions extending from the first trunk portion, the common electrode includes a second trunk portion and a plurality of second branch portions extending from the second trunk portion, the plurality of first branch portions and the plurality of second branch portions are arranged alternately, and the signal lines and the pixel electrodes are formed of a same material and by a same process.