LCD Alignment Film Printing Control Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal display (LCD) devices face challenges in achieving uniform film thickness and accurate patterning of alignment films at the edge portions due to the non-contact printing method, where alignment film material spreads unevenly, leading to irregularities and decreased display quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of print position control patterns, such as concave or convex structures with specific dimensions and arrangements, between the sealing member and the display region, which repel the alignment film material to control its spreading and ensure uniform film thickness and improved patterning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-contact printing method is used to form alignment films, then foreign substances are prevented from accreting to the film, but the film thickness becomes non-uniform at the periphery of the printed region
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces print position control patterns with different surface properties (water repellency) at different locations. The patterns have varying degrees of water repellency to locally control the spreading behavior of alignment film material droplets, ensuring uniform film thickness across the entire printed region including the periphery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the surface energy parameters of specific regions by creating patterns with different water repellency characteristics. This parameter change allows precise control over the spreading radius of alignment film material droplets, enabling uniform film formation while maintaining the non-contact printing advantage.
2Extent of automation
If alignment film material is discharged as droplets at equal intervals, then the non-contact printing method is achieved, but the droplets spread along patterns such as wirings causing poor controllability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates patterns with spatially varying surface properties (different water repellency levels) to locally control droplet spreading. These patterns are specifically designed to counteract the unwanted spreading along wiring patterns while maintaining uniform film thickness in display regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The print position control patterns are pre-formed on the substrate before alignment film deposition. These patterns create preliminary resistance barriers that prevent the alignment film material from spreading along unwanted paths (such as wirings), thereby controlling the final film contour shape and thickness distribution.
3Stability of the object's composition
If droplets spread as liquid toward the periphery of the printed region, then self-leveling occurs, but the film thickness is unlikely to be uniform in the periphery
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces patterns with graded water repellency properties across the substrate surface. Regions closer to the center have different water repellency characteristics compared to peripheral regions, allowing droplets to spread appropriately in each zone to achieve uniform film thickness throughout while maintaining self-leveling capability.
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 solution allows for the formation of alignment films with minimal variations in film thickness between the center and edge portions, enhancing the display quality and enabling the downsizing of LCD devices by improving patterning accuracy and reducing display irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
the regions which can easily repel the corresponding alignment film materials respectively consist of regions with water repellency to the alignment film materials
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of manufacturing an LCD device in which alignment films are formed by a method of printing non-contact alignment films on substrates. Print control patterns are provided between a sealing member and each of display regions. Each of the print control patterns is formed of a highly water-repellent region as well as any one of fine concave structures, fine convex structures and pillar-shaped bodies. The print control patterns control the spreading as liquid of alignment film materials to make the film thickness of each of the alignment film materials uniform.