Liquid Crystal Display Common Electrode Formation via Single Photomask
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal displays face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively forming field-generating electrodes on a display substrate, leading to increased manufacturing time and complexity due to the use of multiple photomasks.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method that forms a liquid crystal display with a common electrode and pixel electrode on the same substrate, using a polycrystalline transparent conductive material and a photosensitive film pattern with varying thicknesses to create cutouts and overlapping insulating layers, allowing for simultaneous formation of field-generating electrodes with reduced photomask usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple photomasks are used to form field generating electrodes on the same substrate, then the liquid crystal display achieves wide viewing angle and proper electrode function, but the manufacturing time, cost, and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of common electrode and pixel electrode patterns into a single photomasking step. The photomask is designed with transparent and opaque regions that simultaneously define both electrode patterns, eliminating the need for separate masking steps and reducing overall process complexity while maintaining proper electrode functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The photomask serves multiple functions: it defines the common electrode pattern, defines the pixel electrode pattern, and controls the insulating layer formation in one operation. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of manufacturing steps while ensuring both electrodes perform their required functions
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple photomasks are used to form field generating electrodes, then proper electrode patterns are achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple photomasking operations into a single step, the patent reduces material costs (fewer photomasks required), equipment usage costs, and alignment costs. The single photomask is designed to simultaneously pattern both electrodes with the required precision, eliminating redundant manufacturing expenses
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple photomasks are used to form field generating electrodes, then proper electrode structures are created, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sequential photomasking steps into a parallel single-step process. Both electrode patterns are formed simultaneously during one exposure and development cycle, dramatically reducing manufacturing time while maintaining the precision required for proper electrode structure formation
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 method enables more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of liquid crystal displays by reducing the complexity and time required for electrode formation, while maintaining the display's performance and viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
forming a first photosensitive film pattern including different thicknesses in different regions thereof; etching the second layer and the first layer using the first photosensitive film pattern as an etching mask
Implementation Method 2
annealing the pixel electrode, the first contact assistant, and the second contact assistant to form a polycrystalline material
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display, includes: a substrate; a gate line including a gate pad and a data line including a data pad, the gate and data lines being disposed on the substrate; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; an organic layer disposed on the thin film transistor; a pixel electrode disposed on the organic layer; a first contact assistant disposed on the gate pad; a second contact assistant disposed on the data pad; a first insulating layer disposed on the pixel electrode; and a common electrode disposed on the first insulating layer, the common electrode overlapping with the pixel electrode. The common electrode includes first cutouts, the first insulating layer includes second cutouts, the plane shapes of the first and second cutouts are substantially the same, and the pixel electrode includes a polycrystalline transparent conductive material.