Electro-optical Device Optical Path Adjustment Layer Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electro-optical devices, such as those described in JP 2017-58537 A, face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning between the lens surface and the aperture region, leading to reduced light transmittance and efficiency due to increased optical path length and thickness of the protective layer.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a transmissive substrate with a concave curved lens surface, a transmissive lens layer, an optical path adjustment layer, and a wiring layer with a light transmitting portion and wiring portion, along with specific marks for precise positioning, allowing for accurate adjustment of the optical path length and improved light transmittance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the thickness of the protective layer is increased to extend the optical path length, then the condensing position of light can be positioned in the aperture region, but the distance between the lens surface and the wiring layer increases, causing deterioration in positioning accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical path lengthVSAvoidpositioning accuracy between lens surface and aperture region

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An optical path adjustment layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the protective layer and the wiring layer. This layer specifically adjusts the optical path length of light passing through the lens surface, allowing the condensing position to be positioned in the aperture region without increasing the overall distance between the lens surface and the wiring layer, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while achieving the desired optical path extension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer is divided into two functional parts: a first protective layer that maintains structural integrity and positioning accuracy, and an optical path adjustment layer that extends the optical path length. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between extending optical path and maintaining positioning precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of stationary object

If the distance between the lens surface and the wiring layer is increased to extend the optical path, then light can be focused in the aperture region, but light transmittance in the aperture region and pixel electrodes is reduced due to positioning inaccuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical path lengthVSAvoidlight transmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical path adjustment layer acts as a mediator that extends the optical path length without increasing the physical distance between the lens surface and the wiring layer. This allows light to be properly focused in the aperture region while maintaining accurate positioning, thereby preserving light transmittance while achieving the desired optical path extension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical path adjustment layer changes the optical parameters (refractive index, thickness) of the structure between the protective layer and wiring layer. By adjusting these parameters, the optical path length is extended while maintaining the physical positioning accuracy, thus improving light transmittance while achieving the required optical path length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enhances the accuracy of positioning between the lens surface and the light transmitting portion, increasing light transmittance and efficiency by optimizing the optical path length and reducing light incidence on the wiring layer, thereby improving the overall performance of the electro-optical device.

Implementation Method 1

a lens surface having a concave curved surface shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS10884286B2Electro-optical device, method for manufacturing electro-optical device, and member for manufacturing electro-optical device

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An electro-optical device includes a transmissive substrate, a lens surface, a transmissive lens layer, an optical path adjustment layer that adjusts an optical path length of light passing through the lens surface, a wiring layer that includes a transmissive light transmitting portion and a wiring portion including wiring and that is disposed in contact with the optical path adjustment layer on an opposite side of the optical path adjustment layer from the lens layer, a transmissive pixel electrode disposed on an opposite side of the wiring layer from the optical path adjustment layer and overlapping the light transmitting portion in plan view, a first mark disposed between the substrate and the optical path adjustment layer and being in contact with the substrate, and a second mark disposed between the optical path adjustment layer and the wiring layer and being in contact with the optical path adjustment layer.