Liquid Crystal Groove Pump Circulation for Impurity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal apparatuses face issues with the deterioration of liquid crystals due to long-term light exposure, leading to changes in optical modulation characteristics and reduced reliability of electronic devices, particularly in projection-type display apparatuses, as well as inadequate distribution of liquid crystals and ionic impurities in the pixel area.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal apparatus with a pair of substrates, a seal material, and a first groove extending between the pixel area and the seal material, where a piezoelectric element pump is used to draw and flow liquid crystals, promoting uniform distribution and reducing ionic impurity concentration by directing the flow from one end of the groove to the other, and optionally using additional grooves and pumps for further distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a circulation flow path is provided between inner edge and outer edge of seal material to increase liquid crystal volume, then the time until liquid crystal deterioration is extended, but ionic impurities aggregate in the pixel area and concentration cannot be kept low
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation flow path is divided into multiple independent grooves (first groove, second groove, third groove, fourth groove) positioned at different locations around the pixel area. Each groove is equipped with its own pump, creating segmented circulation zones that collectively cover the entire liquid crystal layer, ensuring uniform impurity distribution while extending liquid crystal lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the liquid crystal layer are treated differently by providing grooves at specific locations (first groove along first side, second groove along second side, etc.). Each local region has its own circulation path controlled by dedicated pumps, allowing localized control over liquid crystal flow and impurity distribution to achieve overall uniformity.
2Speed
If forced circulation apparatus such as piezoelectric element pump is used to promote liquid crystal flow, then flow in circulation path is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element pumps are integrated directly into the circulation system structure, where each pump serves its adjacent groove. The pumps operate autonomously to maintain liquid crystal circulation without requiring external control systems, and their distributed placement allows each unit to serve a localized function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective flow rates.
3Ease of operation
If multiple grooves and pumps are added to improve liquid crystal distribution, then uniformity is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves are positioned asymmetrically at different sides of the pixel area (first groove along first side, second groove along second side, third groove along third side, fourth groove along fourth side) rather than symmetrically. This asymmetric distribution, combined with dedicated pumps for each groove, creates effective circulation zones that compensate for positioning variations and achieve uniform liquid crystal distribution without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision.
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 extends the time before liquid crystal deterioration, maintains low ionic impurity concentrations in the pixel area, and ensures high-quality image display by enhancing liquid crystal distribution and flow resistance, thereby improving the reliability and performance of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element pump is used to draw and flow liquid crystals
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal containing liquid crystal molecules that have negative dielectric anisotropy and are aligned in a diagonal direction
Data Source
AI summary
In a liquid crystal apparatus, a liquid crystal is provided in a cavity surrounded by a seal material between a first substrate and a second substrate, and the liquid crystal is aligned in a diagonal direction formed by corners 10a1, 10a3. Between a pixel area and the seal material, a first groove is formed along a side 20a6 from the corner 10a1 toward a corner 10a2. When a first pump is driven, the liquid crystal of the pixel area is drawn from a first end of the first groove on the corner 10a1 side, and the liquid crystal is ejected from a second end into the pixel area. As a result, a liquid crystal flow from the side of a side 20a7 toward the side of a side 20a9 occurs in the pixel area, and thus the liquid crystal can be smoothly circulated.