Liquid Crystal Panel Sealing Member Thermal Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid crystal panel manufacturing methods face challenges in selectively curing the sealing member without polymerizing the liquid crystal monomer, especially when using ultraviolet light, which can lead to unwanted polymerization and hinder light transmission.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a thermal radical polymerization initiator with a ten-hour half-life temperature of 95° C. or lower and a thermosetting agent in the sealing member, along with a polymerization inhibitor in the liquid crystal layer, to cure the sealing member using heat instead of ultraviolet light, ensuring controlled polymerization and maintaining light transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ultraviolet light is applied to cure the sealing member, then the sealing member is cured, but the liquid crystal monomer is polymerized undesirably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring of sealing memberVSAvoidunwanted polymerization of liquid crystal monomer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the curing process into two separate stages: first curing the sealing member using a thermal radical polymerization initiator at a lower temperature (95°C or lower), and then curing the liquid crystal layer at a higher temperature. This segmentation prevents the liquid crystal monomer from polymerizing during the sealing member curing stage, as the temperature remains below the activation threshold for liquid crystal polymerization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the curing parameter from ultraviolet light to thermal energy by using a thermal radical polymerization initiator. This parameter change allows the sealing member to be cured through heat activation at 95°C or lower, which is insufficient to trigger liquid crystal monomer polymerization, thereby eliminating the harmful cross-polymerization effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If ultraviolet light is applied to the liquid crystal layer to cure the sealing member, then the sealing member is cured, but light transmission is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring of sealing memberVSAvoidlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical curing mechanism (ultraviolet light) with a thermal curing mechanism using a thermal radical polymerization initiator. This substitution eliminates the need for ultraviolet light exposure, thereby preserving light transmission properties while achieving effective curing of the sealing member through thermal energy at controlled temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the liquid crystal monomer is polymerized by applying ultraviolet light, then the sealing member is cured, but the liquid crystal layer properties are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring efficiencyVSAvoidliquid crystal layer performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary curing of the sealing member first using the thermal radical polymerization initiator at 95°C or lower, before the liquid crystal layer is exposed to conditions that would cause polymerization. This preliminary action sequence ensures the sealing member is securely cured while the liquid crystal monomer remains in its liquid state, preserving the liquid crystal layer's optical and functional properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal radical polymerization initiator acts as an intermediary that enables curing of the sealing member through thermal energy at a temperature (95°C or lower) that does not activate liquid crystal monomer polymerization. This intermediary mechanism allows selective curing of the sealing member while protecting the liquid crystal layer integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for the efficient curing of the sealing member while preventing unwanted polymerization in the liquid crystal layer, reducing manufacturing time and improving display quality by ensuring seamless sealing and reliable performance.

Implementation Method 1

The sealing member contains a thermal radical polymerization initiator and an acrylic resin, the thermal radical polymerization initiator has a ten-hour half-life temperature of 95° C. or lower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radical polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

The liquid crystal layer contains a macromolecular compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization inhibition:

Data Source

PatentUS11630351B2Liquid crystal panel and electro-optical device

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 JAPAN DISPLAY INC

AI summary

A liquid crystal panel according to one embodiment includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposed to the first substrate, a sealing member bonding the first substrate and the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sealed between the first substrate and the second substrate by the sealing member. The sealing member includes a ten-hour half-life temperature of 95° C. or lower and an acrylic resin. The liquid crystal layer includes a macromolecular compound.