Electro-optical Device Light-Shielding Layer Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical devices face issues with image quality deterioration due to obliquely incident return light in the peripheral region, as conventional light-shielding configurations either lead to cracks in the light-shielding film or increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optical device design featuring a second light-shielding layer on the first substrate and a third light-shielding layer between the second and first light-shielding layers, with a translucent region that does not overlap either layer, where the maximum incident angle, width, and thickness relationships ensure that return light is absorbed or reflected away from the substrate, preventing image quality degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a light-shielding layer is entirely provided over a wide range to surround the display region, then return light reflection is prevented, but cracks are likely to be generated in the light-shielding layer film
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding function is divided into multiple separate light-shielding layers positioned at different locations, rather than using a single continuous light-shielding layer. This segmentation prevents crack formation while maintaining the light-shielding effect against return light
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional planar light-shielding approach to a three-dimensional multi-layer configuration. By positioning light-shielding layers at different depths (different substrate surfaces), the patent achieves comprehensive light shielding without requiring a single large continuous layer that would crack
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a light-shielding layer of the upper layer side is provided to overlap in a plan view with gaps between light-shielding layers of the bottom layer side, then light shielding is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing complete overlapping light-shielding layers that would require complex multi-layer alignment, the patent uses partial light-shielding coverage. The light-shielding layers are positioned to provide sufficient shielding for the most critical return light paths without requiring exhaustive coverage of all possible gaps, thereby simplifying manufacturing
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 effectively suppresses the emission of return light to the opposite substrate, thereby preventing image quality deterioration without the need for a full light-shielding layer or increased manufacturing complexity, allowing for efficient light management in the peripheral region.
Implementation Method 1
the first light-shielding layer in the peripheral region of the second substrate... absorbs or reflects return light
Implementation Method 2
the second light-shielding layer and the third light-shielding layer... ensure that return light is absorbed or reflected away from the substrate
Implementation Method 3
the first light-shielding layer... absorbs or reflects return light... the second light-shielding layer and the third light-shielding layer... ensure that return light is absorbed or reflected away from the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A second substrate of an electro-optical device includes a first light-shielding layer formed around a display region, and a peripheral region of a first substrate is provided with a second light-shielding layer, a third light-shielding layer, and a translucent region overlapping neither the second light-shielding layer nor the third light-shielding layer. A maximum incident angle θ of light-source light being incident on an electro-optical layer from the second substrate, a maximum width W of the translucent region, and a thickness d between an end portion on an edge of the third light-shielding layer at a side opposite to the first light-shielding layer, and the first light-shielding layer satisfy the following relationship:W<2×d×tan θ.