Liquid Crystal Display Column Spacer Design for Impact Smear
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid crystal displays, especially curved panels, the inconsistent cell gap caused by column spacers leads to a smear phenomenon when an impact is applied, resulting in reduced image quality due to uneven pressure distribution.
Innovation Solution
The use of a first column spacer with a support portion and a second column spacer without a support portion, both made of opaque polymer resin, are strategically placed on a light blocking member to maintain a uniform cell gap and enhance recovery force, preventing the smear phenomenon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If column spacers are formed on a substrate to maintain cell gap, then cell gap uniformity is improved, but recovery force under impact is reduced causing smear phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the structure of column spacers based on their location. First column spacers (at peripheral areas) include a support portion extending on the substrate to provide strong recovery force against impact. Second column spacers (at central areas) have only a column portion to maintain appropriate cell gap. This localized structural differentiation resolves the contradiction between maintaining uniform cell gap and providing sufficient recovery force under impact.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform column spacers are used throughout the panel, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but pressure distribution becomes uneven under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating two types of column spacers with different structures positioned at different locations on the substrate. First column spacers with support portions are placed at peripheral areas where impact forces are concentrated, while second column spacers with only column portions are placed at central areas. This localized differentiation ensures even pressure distribution under impact while remaining manufacturable through conventional photolithography processes.
3Reliability
If first column spacers with support portion are used throughout, then recovery force is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using first column spacers with support portions only at peripheral areas where impact forces are concentrated, and second column spacers with only column portions at central areas. This selective approach provides sufficient recovery force where needed while avoiding unnecessary structural complexity in areas where simple column spacers are adequate, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the column spacer population into two distinct groups based on location and functional requirements. First column spacers at peripheral areas have a segmented structure with support portions and column portions, while second column spacers at central areas have only the column portion. This segmentation allows each type to be optimized for its specific location, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining necessary recovery force.
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 configuration reduces compression displacement and improves the recovery force of the cell gap, preventing the smear phenomenon by distributing pressure evenly across the panel, thus maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a recovery force of the cell gap of column spacers formed on a substrate is reduced, thereby causing a smear phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display including a light blocking member disposed on a substrate; and a first column spacer and a second column spacer disposed at a distance from each other on the light blocking member. The first column spacer includes a support portion and a column portion, and the second column spacer includes only a column portion.