Liquid Crystal Display Alignment Layer with Inorganic Upper Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal displays face challenges in achieving uniform alignment layer coating on column spacers, leading to poor compression and restoration characteristics, resulting in voids and incomplete liquid crystal filling.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal display with an alignment layer comprising a lower organic material layer and an upper inorganic material layer, where the inorganic layer includes polysiloxane with a photo-reactive group and is formed in an island shape, improving coating quality and covering the column spacer uniformly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer alignment layer is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the coating uniformity on column spacer is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment layer is divided into two distinct layers: a lower layer (first alignment layer) and an upper layer (second alignment layer). This segmentation allows each layer to perform different functions - the lower layer provides base alignment while the upper layer ensures uniform coating on the column spacer, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and coating precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure with two different alignment layers having distinct material compositions and properties. The lower layer and upper layer are composed of different materials optimized for their respective functions, achieving both ease of manufacture and high coating uniformity through material composite design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the alignment layer does not cover the column spacer uniformly, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the compression and restoration characteristics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the alignment layer into two functional layers, the upper layer is specifically designed to cover the column spacer uniformly, ensuring good compression and restoration characteristics while keeping the overall manufacturing process relatively simple through sequential deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper alignment layer is specifically engineered to provide uniform coating quality on the column spacer surface, while the lower layer provides the base alignment function. This local quality differentiation ensures reliable compression and restoration characteristics where needed without complicating the entire manufacturing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the alignment layer coating is incomplete, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but voids are formed in liquid crystal filling
Solution Approach 1:
The two-layer alignment layer structure ensures complete coverage of the column spacer by the upper layer, preventing void formation during liquid crystal filling. The segmentation allows the upper layer to specifically address the coverage issue without requiring complete redesign of the entire alignment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper alignment layer is formed in advance to ensure complete and uniform coverage of the column spacer before liquid crystal injection. This preliminary action of creating the upper layer prevents void formation during subsequent liquid crystal filling, eliminating harmful defects while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
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 enhances the compression and restoration characteristics of the column spacer, preventing voids and ensuring complete liquid crystal filling, thereby improving the display's performance and viewing angle.
Implementation Method 1
the side chain may include a photo-reactive group... irradiating light on the alignment layer
Implementation Method 2
applying a voltage to the field generating electrode to generate an electric field on the liquid crystal layer, and thus to determine alignment of liquid crystal molecules
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display may include: a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a field generating electrode disposed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, an alignment layer disposed on the field generating electrode, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The alignment layer may include a lower layer including an organic material and an upper layer disposed on the lower layer and including an inorganic material.