Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment LCD Pixel Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LCDs suffer from limited viewing angle range and light leakage due to the use of protrusions in multi-domain vertical alignment technology, which adversely affect display quality.

Innovation Solution

A pixel structure for a multi-domain vertical alignment mode LCD that eliminates the need for protrusions by using alignment electrodes to generate an electric field for liquid crystal alignment, with the data line and pixel electrode disposed in different layers to increase aperture ratio and reduce light loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If protrusions are arranged in the LCD panel to form alignment areas for multi-domain vertical alignment, then the viewing angle range is enlarged, but light leakage occurs due to the protrusions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle rangeVSAvoidlight leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the protrusions from the LCD panel structure. Instead of using protrusions to define alignment areas, the patent uses planar alignment electrodes that generate electric fields to orient liquid crystal molecules. This extraction eliminates the light leakage problem caused by protrusions while maintaining the multi-domain vertical alignment functionality for enlarged viewing angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical protrusion structure with an electric field-based alignment system. Alignment electrodes generate electric fields that substitute for the mechanical role of protrusions in tilting liquid crystal molecules. This substitution eliminates physical obstacles that cause light leakage while achieving the same liquid crystal orientation effect needed for multi-domain vertical alignment and expanded viewing angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If data line and pixel electrode are disposed in the same layer, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the aperture ratio is reduced causing light loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlight loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The data line is positioned in the lower substrate layer while the pixel electrode is positioned in the upper substrate layer, utilizing the vertical dimension to separate these components. This spatial separation increases the aperture ratio and reduces light loss while maintaining electrical connectivity through vertical conductive paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution effectively enlarges the viewing angle range while eliminating light leakage, improving display quality by using alignment electrodes to tilt liquid crystals without protrusions, thus enhancing the LCD's viewing experience.

Implementation Method 1

at least one alignment electrode electrically connected to the pixel electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

the respective liquid crystal materials compensate for each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal alignment: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentUS7808567B2Pixel structures, methods of forming the same and multi domain vertical alignment LCDs

Publication Date: 2010.10.05 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A pixel structure is provided. The pixel structure comprises a lower substrate with a transistor and pixel area; a first patterned conductive layer, which has a data line and a gate within the transistor area that is disposed on the lower substrate; a patterned insulator layer covering the first patterned conductive layer; an active layer disposed on the patterned insulator layer above the gate; a second patterned conductive layer with a gate line disposed on the patterned insulator layer, source and drain, wherein the source and the drain are disposed on the active layer; a pixel electrode disposed on the patterned insulator layer and electrically connected to the drain; a patterned passivation layer disposed on the patterned insulator layer, gate line, source, drain and pixel electrode; and a third patterned conductive layer, which has a data line connecting electrode, a gate line connecting electrode, at least one alignment electrode and a common electrode. The data line is electrically connected to the source through the data line connecting electrode; the gate line is electrically connected to the gate through the gate line connecting electrode; the alignment electrode is electrically connected to the pixel electrode; and a portion of the common electrode is disposed above the data line.