Metallic Line Layer Polarizer for LCD Light Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backlit and transflective LCDs suffer from low light efficiency due to approximately 50% of incident light being absorbed by the polarizer, resulting in degraded luminance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple metallic lines on the lower panel of the LCD, spaced narrower than visible wavelengths, which act as both a polarizer and alignment layer for liquid crystal molecules, and a phase retardation layer to enhance light transmission and alignment, thereby improving light utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polarizer is attached on the lower portion of the LCD to control light polarization, then the polarization control function is achieved, but approximately 50% of incident light is absorbed, degrading light efficiency and display luminance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the polarizer and alignment layer into a single integrated structure called a 'metallic line layer.' This metallic line layer simultaneously performs polarization control and liquid crystal molecule alignment functions, eliminating the need for separate polarizer and alignment layer, thereby reducing light absorption losses while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic line layer serves multiple functions: it acts as a polarizer to control light polarization, serves as an alignment layer to orient liquid crystal molecules, and functions as a reflective layer to reflect light. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall light loss.
2Reliability
If separate polarizer and alignment layer are used to achieve polarization control and light alignment, then the required functions are performed, but the device structure becomes more complex and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polarizer and alignment layer into a single metallic line layer, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device structure. This integration maintains both polarization control and light alignment functions while reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic line layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - polarization control, light alignment, and reflection - thereby reducing the total number of layers and components needed in the LCD structure.
3Loss of energy
If multiple metallic lines are disposed on the lower panel to act as polarizer and alignment layer, then light efficiency and luminance are enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the polarizer and alignment layer functions into a single metallic line layer, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps. Instead of separately depositing and patterning polarizer and alignment layer materials, a single metallic line layer is formed that performs both functions, actually simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 significantly enhances light efficiency and luminance by reflecting or transmitting light components appropriately, reducing the need for a separate polarizer and alignment layer, and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of metallic lines may reflect light of a polarization component in the first direction and allow light of a polarization component in a second direction to transmit therethrough
Implementation Method 2
the phase retardation layer may include a slower axis and a faster axis, and may change circular polarization to linear polarization or linear polarization to circular polarization by creating a phase difference between light in the slower axis direction and light in the faster axis direction of λ/4
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of metallic lines may contact the liquid crystal molecules to align the liquid crystal molecules in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display device includes an upper panel comprising an alignment layer attached on an inner surface of the upper panel and a polarizer attached on an outer surface of the upper panel, a lower panel including a first surface and an opposite second surface, the first surface facing the inner surface of the upper panel, a phase retardation layer and a plurality of metallic lines disposed on the first surface of the lower panel, the plurality of metallic lines disposed substantially parallel to each other and which extend in a first direction, liquid crystal molecules injected between the upper and lower panels and a backlight unit comprising a light source which emits light toward the lower panel and a reflector which reflects light from the lower panel, wherein the phase retardation layer is disposed between the plurality of metallic lines and the second surface of the lower panel.