Liquid Crystal Device with Orientation Regions for Ion Diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Active-drive type liquid crystal devices with complex configurations face display failures due to impurity ions generated when intense light is emitted, leading to a need for a simplified configuration that reduces such failures.

Innovation Solution

A liquid crystal device with multiple orientation regions and a circulation mechanism that uses diagonal vapor deposition and orientation films to diffuse impurity ions within the liquid crystal layer, preventing their accumulation and enhancing device longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a circulation flow path with piezoelectric element pump is used to circulate liquid crystal, then display failure is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay failure reductionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the circulation function from a separate mechanical pump system and integrates it into the liquid crystal layer itself through orientation regions. The circulation flow path is formed by grooves in the seal material, and the piezoelectric element is embedded within this integrated structure rather than being a separate external component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining circulation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the circulation flow path formation with the seal material structure by creating grooves directly in the seal material. This integration combines two functions (sealing and circulation path provision) into a single component, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall device configuration while still enabling liquid crystal circulation to prevent display failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple orientation regions are created to diffuse impurity ions, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpurity ion diffusionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the liquid crystal layer into multiple orientation regions (first, second, third, and fourth orientation regions) with different orientation directions. This segmentation creates circulation flow paths that enable impurity ion diffusion throughout the liquid crystal layer, improving reliability by preventing ion accumulation that causes display failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different orientation directions to different regions of the liquid crystal layer. The first and second orientation regions have orientations in a first direction, while the third and fourth orientation regions have orientations in a second direction intersecting the first direction. This local variation in orientation properties creates the circulation flow necessary for impurity ion diffusion while maintaining manufacturability through systematic patterning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 diffuses impurity ions, reducing display failures and prolonging the life of the liquid crystal device by simplifying the configuration and utilizing a circulation mechanism that aligns with the device's optical design.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiagonal vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

a circulation mechanism that uses diagonal vapor deposition and orientation films to diffuse impurity ions within the liquid crystal layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS11435623B2Liquid crystal device comprising a plurality of orientation regions through which liquid crystal molecules are circulated and electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

Included are a first orientation region in which a liquid crystal molecule is oriented along a first direction and a plurality of pixels are included; a second orientation region in which a liquid crystal molecule is oriented along a second direction intersecting the first direction and a plurality of pixels are included; a third orientation region in which a liquid crystal molecule is oriented along a third direction intersecting the second direction and opposite to the first direction and a plurality of pixels are included; and a fourth orientation region in which a liquid crystal molecule is oriented along a fourth direction intersecting the third direction and opposite to the second direction and a plurality of pixels are included.