Overlapping Seal Pattern and Alignment Layer for LCD Bezel Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing liquid crystal display (LCD) devices have a wide bezel due to the alignment layers, seal pattern, and spacers, which increases the overall size of the device.

Innovation Solution

The bezel width is reduced by forming alignment layers and a seal pattern in an overlapping manner, with spreading preventing means to minimize the contact area and enhance adhesive strength, allowing for a more compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If alignment layers and seal pattern are formed in separate non-display regions, then alignment function is ensured, but bezel width increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebezel widthVSAvoidalignment layer function

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the seal pattern and alignment layers into a single overlapping region, allowing both functions to coexist in the same spatial area. The seal pattern is formed to overlap with the alignment layers, enabling the alignment layers to extend into the seal region without requiring separate margin areas, thus reducing bezel width while maintaining alignment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes vertical layering (z-dimension) to resolve the spatial conflict. By forming the seal pattern on top of or overlapping with the alignment layers in the vertical direction, both components can occupy the same planar footprint without interfering with each other's primary functions, enabling compact integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If seal pattern contact area with alignment layer is increased, then adhesion is improved, but alignment layer spreading is exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive strength of seal patternVSAvoidalignment layer spreading control

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different regions of the seal pattern. The seal pattern is designed with varying contact characteristics along its length, with the contact area with alignment layers optimized locally to provide sufficient adhesion while preventing excessive spreading in critical regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies physical parameters of the seal pattern, such as line width, contact area, and material composition, to achieve optimal balance between adhesion and spreading control. By adjusting these parameters, the seal pattern maintains strong bonding while minimizing alignment layer spreading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9164324B2Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A liquid crystal display (LCD) device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. An alignment layer and a seal pattern are formed to overlap to reduce a width of a bezel, and one or more alignment layer spreading preventing means are formed to prevent a degradation of adhesive strength between the seal pattern and a substrate due to the characteristics of the alignment layer.