Flexible LCD Conductive Layer Placement for Electrostatic Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible liquid crystal display devices face challenges in providing a measure against electrostatic charges without influencing the liquid crystal layer, due to the difficulty in locating a conductive layer on the surface of the flexible substrate closer to the user, as the resin layer used as the flexible substrate is very thin and the production process restricts the placement of the conductive layer.
Innovation Solution
A light-transmissive conductive layer is placed on the polarization film adjacent to the counter substrate, which acts as an electric shield, ensuring the conductive layer is on the display plane and maintains a constant potential, thereby minimizing the influence on the liquid crystal layer, with the conductive layer being formed from conductive polymers or transparent conductive materials like ITO.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conductive layer is placed on the flexible substrate surface closer to the user, then electrostatic charges can be shielded, but the production process is restricted and the resin layer must be very thin
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the conductive layer on the flexible substrate surface as conventionally done, the patent inverts the structure by placing the conductive layer on the rigid substrate surface. This reversal allows the conductive layer to serve its electrostatic shielding function while being compatible with standard production processes that form conductive layers on rigid substrates before transferring to flexible substrates.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the resin layer is made very thin to allow conductive layer placement, then electrostatic shielding is possible, but the flexible substrate loses mechanical support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the mechanical support issue by transitioning from a single-layer thin flexible substrate to a multi-layer composite structure. The flexible substrate becomes part of a sandwich structure with rigid substrate and optical film, providing mechanical support in the thickness dimension while maintaining flexibility in the plane dimension.
3Strength
If a highly rigid substrate is used to support the flexible substrate, then mechanical strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical strength and support during production, acts as a base for forming the conductive layer, and serves as part of the final display structure. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite using a rigid substrate.
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 solution effectively shields electrostatic charges from the liquid crystal layer while maintaining reliable display performance and image quality, even when electrostatic charges are generated by user interactions, such as on a touch panel.
Implementation Method 1
A light-transmissive conductive layer is placed on the polarization film adjacent to the counter substrate, which acts as an electric shield, ensuring the conductive layer is on the display plane and maintains a constant potential, thereby minimizing the influence on the liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate having a pixel electrode and a common electrode provided thereon; a second substrate formed of a resin material; a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate; an optical film facing the liquid crystal layer with the second substrate being provided between the optical film and the liquid crystal layer; and a conductive layer facing the second substrate; wherein the optical film is provided between the conductive layer and the second substrate.