Liquid Crystal Display Electrode Structure Reducing Mask Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal display devices require a separate additional mask process for forming an organic film, making them inefficient in terms of process efficiency and cost.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal display device design that reduces the number of masks by using a substrate with a gate line, insulating films, semiconductor patterns, transparent electrodes, and connecting electrodes, where the first and second electrodes are in direct contact or overlap the semiconductor pattern, and a method of manufacturing that involves forming these components using a series of photosensitive film patterns to create the necessary electrode structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate additional mask process is used for forming an organic film, then the liquid crystal display device can be manufactured with conventional processes, but the process efficiency decreases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the organic film formation process with the existing transparent electrode formation process by using the same mask pattern. The transparent electrode layer is formed first, then the organic film is deposited through the same mask, eliminating the need for a separate mask process and improving manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The mask pattern serves multiple functions: it defines the transparent electrode pattern, serves as a template for organic film deposition, and establishes the pixel structure. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps required
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate additional mask process is used for forming an organic film, then the liquid crystal display device can be manufactured with conventional processes, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the organic film formation with the transparent electrode formation using a single mask process, the patent eliminates redundant mask materials and reduces overall material consumption while maintaining manufacturability
3Device complexity
If electrodes are in direct contact with semiconductor pattern, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the risk of short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different regions: the transparent electrode is conductive where it contacts the semiconductor pattern for electrical connection, but becomes insulating in other regions through the organic film deposition, achieving both simplified manufacturing and electrical reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The organic film acts as an intermediary that provides electrical insulation between the transparent electrode and other conductive elements, preventing short circuits while allowing direct contact between the transparent electrode and semiconductor pattern for signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display device comprising: a substrate; a gate line that is disposed on the substrate and extends in a first direction; a first insulating film that is disposed on the gate line; a semiconductor pattern that is disposed on the first insulating film; a first transparent electrode that is disposed on the semiconductor pattern, and has a first electrode and a second electrode being spaced apart from each other; a second insulating film that is disposed on the first transparent electrode and partially exposes the first electrode; a data line disposed on the second insulating film and extends in a second direction different from the first direction; a second transparent electrode that is disposed on the second insulating film and at least partially overlaps the second electrode; and a connecting electrode in direct contact with a portion of the exposed first electrode and the data line.