Display Substrate With Segmented Insulators For Alignment Film Definition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In display devices with built-in touchscreen panels, the formation of grooves in protective layers can lead to decreased flatness of signal lines, resulting in broken lines and irregularities, which affect the alignment of liquid crystal molecules and the overall performance of the display.
Innovation Solution
A display substrate configuration that includes a substrate with a first insulator, a metal film, a second insulator, and an alignment film, where the second insulator has a thickness smaller than the first insulator, and film forming area defining recesses are provided in the non-display area to control the alignment film's formation, ensuring the flatness and accuracy of the alignment film and reducing the likelihood of line breaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If grooves are formed in the first protective layer to define the alignment film forming area, then the alignment film can be properly defined, but the flatness of the signal lines decreases causing broken lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective layer structure into two separate layers: the first protective layer (thick) that maintains signal line flatness, and the second protective layer (thin) that contains the grooves for defining the alignment film forming area. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between alignment film definition and signal line flatness.
Solution Approach 2:
The second protective layer is designed with localized grooves only in the non-display area where the alignment film needs to be defined. The display area maintains a flat surface to ensure proper alignment film formation and signal line integrity. This local differentiation of structure quality allows the grooves to serve their purpose without affecting the overall flatness required for signal lines.
2Manufacturing precision
If the first protective layer is made thin to allow groove formation, then the alignment film can be defined, but the protection of underlying signal lines is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented between two layers: the first protective layer provides thick, robust protection for the signal lines, while the second protective layer provides a thinner protective function with integrated groove structures for alignment film definition. This segmentation allows both protection and precision functions to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite protective layer structure where the first protective layer and second protective layer work together as a composite system. The first layer (thicker) ensures mechanical protection and flatness, while the second layer (thinner with grooves) ensures precise alignment film formation. The combination of these two layers provides both protection and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A display substrate includes a substrate, a first insulator, a metal film, a second insulator, an alignment film, a line, and film forming area defining recesses. The substrate includes a display area and a non-display area. The metal film is disposed upper than the first insulator. The second insulator is disposed upper than the metal film and has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the first insulator. The alignment film is disposed upper than the second insulator at least in the display area. The line extends to straddle the display area and the non-display area and includes a section of the metal film. The film forming area defining recesses are provided in the non-display area to extend to cross the line and include recesses sections of the second insulator to define a forming area of the alignment film.