Liquid Crystal Element Multi-Domain Alignment via Injection Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal elements with multiple alignment domains are complex to manufacture, complicating the process and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal element with a simple configuration, featuring a first and second substrate with alignment films, a liquid crystal layer, and a seal material with an injection port, where the alignment films have an alignment regulating force and polymerizable monomers are present at the interfaces, creating regions with different pretilt angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plurality of alignment domains are formed to improve viewing angle dependency, then the viewing angle dependency is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different alignment domains with distinct pretilt angles in specific regions of the liquid crystal layer. The first region (near the injection port) has a pretilt angle in the opposite direction to the alignment regulating force, while the second region (far from the injection port) has a pretilt angle in the same direction. This spatial variation in alignment characteristics improves viewing angle dependency without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the domain formation is achieved through the natural flow of liquid crystal material during injection.
2Reliability
If a plurality of alignment domains are formed to improve viewing angle dependency, then the viewing angle dependency is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by allowing the liquid crystal material to automatically form different alignment domains based on its own flow characteristics during the injection process. The pretilt angle distribution is determined by the natural dynamics of liquid crystal flow from the injection port, eliminating the need for external manipulation or complex manufacturing steps to create the multi-domain structure. The system uses its own inherent properties to achieve the desired alignment configuration.
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 allows for a liquid crystal element with multiple alignment domains to be manufactured simply, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while improving viewing angle dependency.
Implementation Method 1
a polymerizable monomer by light irradiation or a polymer obtained by polymerizing the monomer is present
Implementation Method 2
the first alignment film and second alignment film each has an alignment regulating force in one direction on a surface in contact with the liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a liquid crystal element having multiple alignment domains with a simple configuration. The liquid crystal element includes: a first and a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer inbetween the two substrates; and a seal material with an injection port; where a first and a second alignment film each has an alignment regulating force in one direction on a surface in contact with the liquid crystal layer, a polymerized monomer is present at the interface between each of the two alignment films and the liquid crystal layer; the liquid crystal layer has a first region close to the injection port and a second region far from the injection port; and the first region has a high polymer density and has a pretilt angle in a direction opposite to the alignment regulating force, and the second region has a pretilt angle in the same direction as the alignment regulating force.