In-Plane Switching LCD Array Substrate Opaque Common Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-plane switching mode liquid crystal display (LCD) devices face challenges with low brightness and contrast ratio due to the limitations of aperture ratio and light leakage, particularly when using transparent conductive materials for both pixel and common electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves forming an array substrate with a pixel electrode and a common electrode, both comprising transparent conductive patterns, where one of the electrodes also includes an opaque conductive pattern with a narrower width, strategically aligned to enhance aperture usage and reduce light leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If transparent conductive materials are used for both pixel and common electrodes, then aperture ratio is improved, but light leakage increases and contrast ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The common electrode is segmented into transparent conductive patterns and opaque conductive patterns, with the opaque patterns strategically positioned to block light leakage paths while the transparent patterns maintain electrical conductivity and aperture ratio
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the common electrode are assigned different optical properties: transparent regions where aperture is needed and opaque regions where light blocking is needed, creating local quality variations to simultaneously achieve high aperture ratio and high contrast ratio
2Object-generated harmful factors
If opaque conductive material is used for common electrode, then light leakage is reduced, but aperture ratio decreases and brightness is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The common electrode is divided into transparent conductive patterns and opaque conductive patterns, with opaque patterns only where needed for light blocking, allowing most of the electrode area to remain transparent for light transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The common electrode uses a composite structure combining transparent conductive material and opaque conductive material in specific patterns, achieving both light transmission and light blocking functions in the same electrode layer
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple mask processes are used to form transparent and opaque patterns, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The formation of transparent conductive patterns and opaque conductive patterns is merged into a single mask process by forming one conductive layer that contains both pattern types, eliminating the need for separate mask processes and reducing manufacturing complexity
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 increases brightness and improves contrast ratio by optimizing aperture areas and minimizing light leakage, while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs through fewer required mask processes.
Implementation Method 1
one of the pixel electrode and the common electrode further includes an opaque conductive pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An array substrate for an in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, a gate line along a first direction on the substrate, a data line along a second direction and crossing the gate line to define a pixel region, a thin film transistor connected to the gate and data lines, a pixel electrode in the pixel region and connected to the thin film transistor, and a common electrode in the pixel region and arranged in an alternating pattern with the pixel electrode, wherein each of the pixel electrode and the common electrode includes a transparent conductive pattern, and one of the pixel electrode and the common electrode further includes an opaque conductive pattern having a more narrow width than the transparent conductive pattern.