Hybrid-Aligned Liquid Crystal Retardation Plate for Wide Viewing Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved liquid crystal display devices with homogeneously aligned liquid crystal molecules that offer better display quality, wider viewing angles, reduced thickness, and lower costs, as existing technologies face challenges in achieving these goals.

Innovation Solution

A liquid crystal display device configuration that includes a liquid crystal layer between substrates, with a first optical element comprising a polarizer plate and retardation plates that impart specific retardation to light, and a second optical element with a polarizer plate, optimizing the alignment of liquid crystal molecules and retardation plates to achieve improved polarization states and reduced thickness and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a retardation film is applied to compensate viewing angle, then viewing angle characteristics are improved, but device thickness and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle characteristicsVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the retardation film and the alignment layer into a single hybrid-aligned liquid crystal layer. This liquid crystal layer simultaneously provides the alignment function (controlling liquid crystal molecule orientation) and the retardation function (compensating viewing angle), thereby eliminating the need for a separate retardation film and reducing device thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid-aligned liquid crystal layer serves multiple functions: it acts as both the alignment layer (controlling molecular orientation) and the retardation film (providing optical compensation for wide viewing angles). This multi-functional design reduces the number of components and overall device thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a retardation film is applied to compensate viewing angle, then viewing angle characteristics are improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle characteristicsVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the retardation film function into the alignment layer by using a hybrid-aligned liquid crystal layer. This integration eliminates the need to purchase and assemble a separate retardation film, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining wide viewing angle characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid-aligned liquid crystal layer performs both alignment and retardation functions, reducing the total component count and associated manufacturing costs while achieving the desired viewing angle performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If homogeneously aligned liquid crystal molecules are used, then display quality is improved, but viewing angle and contrast are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidviewing angle and contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the alignment parameter of the liquid crystal molecules from homogeneous alignment to hybrid alignment (combining vertical and horizontal alignment components). This parameter change enables the liquid crystal layer to provide both high display quality and wide viewing angle characteristics with good contrast.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid-aligned liquid crystal layer creates a composite alignment structure that combines features of both vertical and horizontal alignment. This composite structure achieves a balance between display quality (from homogeneous alignment) and viewing angle/contrast performance (from vertical alignment characteristics).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The solution enhances display quality by increasing viewing angles and contrast ratios while reducing the overall thickness and cost of the device, achieving a wide viewing angle of 160° with an isocontrast ratio of 10:1 and maintaining high contrast in the normal direction.

Implementation Method 1

the first retardation plate is a retardation plate which imparts a predetermined retardation to light of a predetermined wavelength and in which nematic liquid crystal molecules are solidified in a state in which the nematic liquid crystal molecules are hybrid-aligned along a normal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBirefringence: Birefringence

Data Source

PatentUS7589811B2Liquid crystal display device

Publication Date: 2009.09.15 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

A liquid crystal display device includes a first optical element which is provided on one of outer surfaces of a liquid crystal display panel including homogeneously aligned liquid crystal molecules and includes a first polarizer plate, a first retardation plate in which nematic liquid crystal molecules are solidified in a state in which the nematic liquid crystal molecules are hybrid-aligned in a liquid crystal state along a normal direction, and a second retardation plate, and a second optical element which is composed of a second polarizer plate.