Liquid-Crystalline Medium for IPS and FFS Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current liquid-crystal (LC) media for in-plane switching (IPS) and fringe field switching (FFS) displays face challenges such as long addressing times, inadequate resistivity, high operating voltages, poor UV stability, and limited temperature resistance, which affect their performance and longevity, especially in outdoor applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of LC media comprising a combination of specific compounds, including those of Formulae LP1 and LP2, which enhance dielectric anisotropy, specific resistance, low threshold voltage, and improved stability against UV radiation and elevated temperatures, allowing for faster response times and higher brightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional LC media are used in IPS and FFS displays, then the display can operate, but the addressing times are long and the response is slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddressing timeVSAvoidresponse performance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the LC medium by incorporating specific compounds (Formulae LP1, LP2, and ST) with optimized molecular structures. This modifies the dielectric anisotropy, rotational viscosity, and clearing point parameters to achieve faster switching speeds and shorter addressing times while maintaining reliable response performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite LC medium comprising multiple specific compounds (LP1, LP2, and ST formulas) in defined proportions. This composite approach combines the beneficial properties of individual components to achieve both fast response times and reliable operation, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional LC media are used, then the display operates, but the resistivity is inadequate and operating voltages are high

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresistivityVSAvoidoperating voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the electrical parameters of the LC medium by selecting compounds with specific dielectric properties. The compounds of Formulae LP1 and LP2 are chosen to provide adequate resistivity while maintaining low operating voltages, thus improving reliability without increasing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional LC media are used, then the display functions, but the UV stability is poor and temperature resistance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV stabilityVSAvoidtemperature resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters by incorporating compounds with enhanced molecular stability. The specific compounds (LP1, LP2, ST) are selected for their resistance to UV degradation and thermal stress, improving both UV stability and temperature resistance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite LC medium with multiple stabilizing compounds that work synergistically to protect against UV radiation and temperature variations. This composite formulation enhances reliability under harsh environmental conditions while maintaining display functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Illumination intensity

If conventional LC media are used, then the display operates, but the image quality has low contrast and brightness

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidcontrast ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the optical parameters of the LC medium by selecting compounds with appropriate birefringence and absorption characteristics. The specific compound formulas (LP1, LP2, ST) are chosen to enhance both brightness and contrast ratio, improving image quality without sacrificing reliability.

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

The proposed LC media exhibit excellent long-term stability, reduced flickering, improved reliability, and enhanced image quality with high contrast and brightness, suitable for a wide range of applications including outdoor use.

Implementation Method 1

Liquid-crystalline materials for IPS displays of this type are described... FFS displays usually contain an LC medium with positive dielectric anisotropy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric anisotropy: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 2

All these modes utilise an electric field which generated substantially perpendicular to the substrates and the LC layer... electro-optical modes that utilise an electric field which is substantially parallel to the substrates or the LC layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-optical effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS20240228877A1Liquid-crystalline medium
Publication Date: 2024.07.11 MERCK PATENT GMBH
  • US20240228877A1 patent drawing
  • US20240228877A1 patent drawing
  • US20240228877A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Liquid-crystalline (LC) media having positive dielectric anisotropy and liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) containing these media, especially displays addressed by an active matrix and in particular energy saving LC displays of the TN, PS-TN, STN, TN-TFT, OCB, IPS, PS-IPS, FFS, HB-FFS, XB-FFS, PS-FFS, SA-HB-FFS, SA-XB-FFS, polymer stabilised SA-HB-FFS, polymer stabilised SA-XB-FFS, positive VA or positive PS-VA type. The media have an improved long-term stability against UV radiation and elevated temperatures.