LCD Array Substrate with Shaft-Induced Multi-Domain Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LCDs have a narrow viewing angle, limiting their application in large-size displays, and current solutions like TN+film, MVA, PVA, IPS, and FFS modes face manufacturing complexities and cost issues.

Innovation Solution

An array substrate with a multi-domain structure induced by slope-shaped shafts on pixel electrodes, allowing for a wide viewing angle without the need for complex convex structures or high-precision manufacturing, and compatible with conventional TN-type TFT-LCD processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional display modes (TN+film, MVA, PVA, IPS, FFS) are used to improve viewing angle, then viewing angle is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel electrode is divided into multiple domains by introducing shaft structures, creating multi-domain structures that improve viewing angle. Each shaft creates a distinct domain with specific alignment characteristics, allowing the display to show consistent images from multiple viewing directions without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a simplified shaft structure that can be manufactured using conventional photolithography processes already in place for TN-type displays. Instead of requiring new manufacturing techniques, the solution copies and adapts existing manufacturing capabilities to create the multi-domain structure through standard patterning and etching processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If MVA mode is used to improve viewing angle, then viewing angle is improved, but convex structure manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoidconvex structure manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of the MVA convex structure (creating domain boundaries for multi-domain alignment) and implements it through a simpler shaft structure formed by etching holes through the alignment layer and filling with conductive material. This eliminates the need for complex convex structure manufacturing while achieving the same multi-domain effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding convex structures that protrude from the substrate surface, the invention uses inverted shaft structures that extend downward into the pixel electrode. This inversion simplifies manufacturing by using standard etching and filling processes rather than requiring complex surface shaping techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If PVA mode is used to improve viewing angle, then viewing angle is improved, but pixel electrode structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoidpixel electrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel electrode is segmented into multiple domains by the shaft structures, which act as physical barriers that divide the electrode into distinct regions. Each domain has its own alignment characteristics, creating the multi-domain effect needed for wide viewing angle without requiring a complicated slit structure throughout the entire pixel electrode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft structures provide localized domain division at specific positions within the pixel electrode, rather than requiring a complex slit pattern across the entire electrode. This local approach creates the necessary multi-domain structure with simpler geometry, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the viewing angle improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If IPS mode or FFS mode is used to improve viewing angle, then viewing angle is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoidcontrol process precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft structures can be manufactured using the same photolithography and etching processes already established for conventional TN displays. The shafts are formed by patterning holes through the alignment layer and filling them with conductive material, processes that are well-established and do not require high-precision control beyond standard manufacturing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the structural parameters of the pixel electrode by adding shaft features, but these changes can be implemented within the existing process parameter ranges. The shaft dimensions, spacing, and depth can be controlled using standard process variables without requiring new high-precision control techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a symmetric wide viewing angle, simplifies manufacturing, and is applicable in various driving modes, enhancing the LCD's usability in large-size displays without increasing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one shaft for inducing liquid crystal to form a multi-domain structure is formed on each of the pixel electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal alignment: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentUS8237902B2Array substrate of LCD with wide viewing angle and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2012.08.07 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US8237902B2 patent drawing
  • US8237902B2 patent drawing
  • US8237902B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an array substrate of an LCD with a wide viewing angle and a method for manufacturing the same. The array substrate includes: gate lines and data lines formed on a substrate, and TFTs and pixel electrodes formed in pixel areas defined by the gate lines and the data lines, wherein at least one shaft for inducing liquid crystal to form a multi-domain structure is formed on each of the pixel electrodes. The method includes: forming a pattern containing gate lines, gate electrodes, data lines, source electrodes, drain electrodes and TFT channels on a substrate; depositing a passivation layer, opening a first via hole for connecting each of the drain electrodes to each of pixel electrodes and a second via hole for forming a shaft; and depositing a transparent conductive film, forming a pattern containing the pixel electrodes within pixel areas, and forming a shaft at the second via hole for inducing liquid crystal to form a multi-domain structure. The present invention uses a shaft structure to induce liquid crystal to form a multi-domain structure, which not only realizes a symmetric wide viewing angle, but also simplifies the structure and manufacturing process of an array substrate.