Photomaskless LCD Alignment Layer Multi-Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have a limited viewing angle due to the alignment of liquid crystal molecules, and existing methods that divide the alignment layer into domains to widen this angle increase manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for aligning an alignment layer without a mask, using a light source, stage, and data processor to control the alignment of alignment regions in multiple directions, allowing for the alignment of liquid crystal displays with improved viewing angles without increasing manufacturing costs or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mask is used to align the alignment layer into multiple domains, then the viewing angle of the LCD is widened, but the manufacturing cost increases and the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mask from the alignment process. Instead of using a physical mask to define alignment domains, the invention uses a photomaskless alignment method where the alignment pattern is directly formed on the alignment layer through photolithography without requiring a separate mask component, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining multi-domain alignment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment layer serves multiple functions: it provides both the alignment direction control and the domain definition simultaneously. The photomaskless alignment pattern formation integrates what would traditionally require separate mask and alignment layer steps into a single process, making the alignment layer universally responsible for both alignment and domain structuring
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mask is used to align the alignment layer into multiple domains, then the viewing angle of the LCD is widened, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mask from the alignment process. Instead of using a physical mask to define alignment domains, the invention uses a photomaskless alignment method where the alignment pattern is directly formed on the alignment layer through photolithography without requiring a separate mask component, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining multi-domain alignment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the alignment pattern formation and domain definition into a single photolithography step. The alignment layer is patterned directly with the desired domain structure using photomaskless technology, combining what would traditionally require separate mask fabrication, alignment, and exposure steps into one integrated process, thereby reducing manufacturing cost
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 effectively widens the viewing angle of LCDs by aligning the alignment layer in multiple directions without the need for masks, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the process while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The light is supplied to the alignment regions according to the control signal and the alignment regions are aligned. The light is supplied from at least two different angles of incidence so that the alignment regions are aligned in at least two different directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of aligning an alignment layer of a liquid crystal display (LCD) includes positioning a substrate on a stage; the substrate having the alignment layer provided thereon and the alignment layer including a plurality of alignment regions. Data identifying positions of the alignment regions relative to the alignment layer are loaded. A control signal for controlling a supply of light based on the loaded data identifying the positions of the alignment regions is generated. The light is supplied to the alignment regions according to the control signal and the alignment regions are aligned. The light is supplied from at least two different angles of incidence so that the alignment regions are aligned in at least two different directions.