Liquid Crystal Element Layout to Prevent Dark Lines Under Strong Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal display apparatuses suffer from dark lines and decreased light resistance when exposed to strong light due to non-transparent components and exposed organic TFTs, which cause noticeable dark spots and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal element design with transparent conductive films for pixel electrodes and wirings, where switching elements are positioned outside the light-irradiated area, and using organic semiconductors for some switching elements, along with a lighting apparatus that includes a light source, polarizing elements, and a lens to control light projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If non-transparent components (source electrode, drain electrode, organic TFTs) are made transparent or exposed to improve aperture ratio, then aperture ratio is improved, but dark lines and dark spots occur under strong light irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate area is divided into two distinct regions: a first region that receives strong light irradiation for image formation and a second region that does not receive strong light irradiation. Pixel electrodes are placed in the first region while switching elements are placed in the second region, separating the functional zones to avoid the harmful effects of light exposure on non-transparent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement where all components share the same light-exposed area to a spatial arrangement that utilizes the third dimension (depth/layering) and regional separation. By defining distinct first and second regions on the substrate, the patent creates a three-dimensional spatial organization that allows different components to occupy different light exposure zones, thereby resolving the contradiction between aperture ratio and dark line prevention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If organic TFTs are disposed adjacent to pixel electrodes to enable switching function, then device functionality is achieved, but light resistance decreases under strong light irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The switching elements (organic TFTs) are extracted from the light-irradiated first region and placed in the non-irradiated second region. This separation removes the harmful light exposure from the organic TFTs while preserving their switching functionality, thereby maintaining reliability under strong light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the substrate are assigned different functional qualities: the first region is optimized for light reception and image formation with transparent pixel electrodes, while the second region is optimized for housing light-sensitive switching elements. This local differentiation allows each component to operate in its optimal environmental condition.
3Area of stationary object
If transparent conductive materials are used for source electrode and drain electrode to improve aperture ratio, then aperture ratio is improved, but noticeable dark spots occur under strong light
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into pixel electrodes made of transparent conductive material (placed in the first light-exposed region) and switching elements (placed in the second non-exposed region). This segmentation allows the aperture-critical pixel electrodes to remain transparent while the switching elements are positioned where they will not create dark spots under light irradiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal element includes: a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer; pixel electrodes on the first substrate side by using a transparent conductive film, including those having different shapes; thin film switching elements disposed on the first substrate side, and that correspond respectively to the pixel electrodes; first wirings on the first substrate side by using a transparent conductive film, and interconnect the pixel electrodes and thin film switching elements; and a counter electrode on the second substrate side and disposed to overlap the pixel electrodes; where the pixel electrodes are disposed within a first region where image formation light is irradiated, and where the thin film switching elements is disposed in a second region adjacent to the first region that is not irradiated with the image formation light.