Liquid Crystal Display Panel ITO Conduction via Optical Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing liquid crystal display panels, the indium tin oxide (ITO) layer on the color filter substrate bends under external force, causing contact with the ITO layer on the array substrate and resulting in pixel electrode short-circuits, leading to a black screen phenomenon.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal display panel design that includes an array substrate and a color filter substrate with a via hole structure protected by an optical spacer, where the ITO layer is electrically connected through specific via holes, reducing the risk of short-circuiting and incorporating a second passivation layer to prevent water vapor entry and electrochemical corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ITO layer is used to achieve conduction between gate and source drain through pixel electrodes, then electrical conduction is enabled, but the ITO layer is prone to bending under external force causing short-circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical spacer as an intermediary protective layer between the ITO layer and external environment. This spacer physically shields the ITO layer from external forces that could cause bending, while maintaining the electrical conduction function through the via holes. The spacer acts as a buffer that absorbs mechanical stress before it reaches the fragile ITO layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies protective measures in advance by forming the optical spacer layer before final assembly. This pre-established protective structure cushions the ITO layer against potential external forces during operation, preventing bending and short-circuiting before they can occur. The via hole structure is also designed with sufficient depth to provide inherent mechanical protection.
2Reliability
If via holes are designed to achieve conduction, then electrical connection is enabled, but the ITO layer becomes vulnerable to bending and contact between substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar ITO layer to a three-dimensional via hole structure with sufficient depth. This vertical dimension provides mechanical strength and structural stability to the ITO layer, preventing bending while maintaining electrical connection through the via holes. The depth-to-width ratio of via holes is optimized to enhance structural rigidity.
3Reliability
If the ITO layer is exposed to enable via hole conduction, then electrical connection is achieved, but water vapor can cause electrochemical corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin film structures (optical spacer and passivation layers) to encapsulate and protect the exposed ITO layer in via holes. These thin protective films prevent water vapor from reaching the ITO layer, eliminating the risk of electrochemical corrosion while preserving the electrical conduction function through the via holes.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display panel is disclosed. The liquid crystal display panel includes an array substrate. The array substrate includes: a glass substrate, a first metal layer, a gate insulating layer, a second metal layer, a first ITO layer, a first passivation layer, and a second passivation layer. The second metal layer has a first sub-metal block and a second sub-metal block, wherein the first ITO layer is further covered by an optical spacer, and the first ITO layer is electrically connected to the first metal layer and the second metal layer, respectively.