Liquid Crystal Panel Edge Masking Tape Infiltration Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for etching liquid crystal panels face defects due to infiltration of etching solutions, particularly at the edges where masking tape overlaps, leading to damage of the driving circuit and panel, and the removal process often results in adhesive residues and productivity issues.

Innovation Solution

The use of integrated masking tape made of a single film with strong adhesive properties to surround the edges of both substrates, ensuring complete coverage and preventing etching solution infiltration, and employing a method where the tape is cut to match the substrate sizes after etching to minimize damage during removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If masking tape is installed on the edge of the liquid crystal panel to protect the driving circuit, then the driving circuit is protected from etching solution infiltration, but an overlapping portion of the masking tape occurs causing gaps where etching solution can infiltrate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of driving circuitVSAvoidetching solution infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The masking tape is divided into two separate pieces: one installed on the first substrate and another on the second substrate. This segmentation eliminates the overlapping portion that creates gaps, allowing each tape to be positioned precisely without interference from the other, thereby preventing etching solution infiltration while maintaining protection of the driving circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If masking tape with strong adhesive is used to prevent etching solution infiltration, then tightness between the liquid crystal panel and masking tape is increased, but adhesive residues remain on the liquid crystal panel after tape removal causing defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of etching solution infiltrationVSAvoidadhesive residues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A removable adhesive layer is introduced between the masking tape and the liquid crystal panel. This disposable adhesive layer provides sufficient bonding strength during the etching process to prevent infiltration, but can be cleanly removed afterward without leaving residues or causing damage to the panel surface, thus eliminating the harmful effect of adhesive residues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If masking tape is removed after etching to clean the surface, then productivity is improved, but the liquid crystal panel may be damaged due to reduced thickness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval process efficiencyVSAvoidpanel integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The masking tape is installed on the substrates before the etching process begins. This preliminary installation ensures that the panel is fully protected during etching, and the tape can be removed afterward in a controlled manner without compromising panel integrity, as the etching is already complete and the panel structure is stabilized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If physical cleaning is performed on the adhesive surface of the masking tape after etching, then adhesive residues are removed, but productivity is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface cleanlinessVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A removable adhesive layer is used as a disposable component that performs its function during the etching process and is then discarded. This eliminates the need for subsequent physical cleaning operations, as the adhesive layer can be cleanly removed without leaving residues, thereby maintaining surface cleanliness while improving productivity by removing the cleaning step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 approach effectively reduces defects from etching solution infiltration, minimizes panel damage during tape removal, and simplifies the production process by using a single film with high adhesive strength, improving the quality and productivity of the liquid crystal panel.

Implementation Method 1

masking tape configured to integrally surround edges of the first substrate and the second substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11397345B2Method for etching a liquid crystal panel comprising installing a masking tape on entire surfaces of a first substrate and a second substrate

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 KORTEK CORP

AI summary

Provided is a liquid crystal panel and a method for etching a liquid crystal panel, the liquid crystal panel including: a first substrate; a second substrate installed at a location facing the first substrate with a liquid crystal layer therebetween; a driving circuit unit connected to the second substrate; and a masking tape integrally surrounding the edges of the first substrate and the second substrate.