Liquid Crystal Polarizer Thickness Reduction via Material Substitution

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polarizers in liquid crystal display apparatuses are prone to failure due to deformation or deterioration from heat and moisture, leading to distorted polarization axes and increased thickness due to additional protection layers.

Innovation Solution

A thin polarizer is developed using a supporting member with liquid crystal polarizing layers that include liquid crystal molecules and polarizing molecules arranged in specific directions to absorb light, eliminating the need for extended films and additional protection layers, thereby reducing thickness and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protection layers are added to prevent heat and moisture permeation, then reliability is improved, but the thickness of the polarization plate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to heat and moistureVSAvoidthickness of polarization plate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional extended films to liquid crystal materials, which inherently provide both protection and polarization functionality. This material substitution eliminates the need for separate protection layers while maintaining resistance to heat and moisture, thus improving reliability without increasing thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the protection layer function and polarization function into a single integrated structure. The liquid crystal polarizing layer simultaneously provides polarization and protection against heat and moisture, eliminating the need for separate protection layers and reducing overall plate thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If extended films are used for polarization, then manufacturing is simplified, but the films deform or deteriorate due to heat and moisture exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of formation processVSAvoidresistance to heat and moisture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from extended films to liquid crystal materials. This substitution maintains ease of manufacture through coating processes while fundamentally improving resistance to heat and moisture, as liquid crystal materials are inherently more stable under these conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite liquid crystal materials that combine the ease of application from film-based methods with the thermal and moisture stability of chemically stable materials. The liquid crystal composition provides both manufacturability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conventional polarization plates are used, then light polarization is achieved, but the plates are relatively thick due to protection layers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight polarization functionVSAvoidthickness of polarization plate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protection layer function and polarization function into a single integrated structure. The liquid crystal polarizing layer simultaneously provides polarization and protection against heat and moisture, eliminating the need for separate protection layers and reducing overall plate thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional extended films to liquid crystal materials, which inherently provide both protection and polarization functionality. This material substitution eliminates the need for separate protection layers while maintaining resistance to heat and moisture, thus improving reliability without increasing thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a thin polarizer with improved light polarization efficiency and reduced volume, preventing failure from heat and moisture exposure while streamlining the manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

The liquid crystal molecules may be arranged in a predetermined direction and the polarizing molecules may absorb light that oscillates along the predetermined direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The liquid crystal molecules may be arranged in a predetermined direction and the polarizing molecules may absorb light that oscillates along the predetermined direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS7611759B2Polarizer, method of manufacturing the polarizer, apparatus for manufacturing the polarizer, and display apparatus having the polarizer

Publication Date: 2009.11.03 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a polarizer that includes a supporting member and a liquid crystal polarizing layer that is coated on the supporting member. The liquid crystal polarizing layer includes liquid crystal molecules that are arranged in a predetermined direction and polarizing molecules that are combined with the liquid crystal molecules in order to absorb light oscillating in predetermined direction. The resulting polarizer is thin and highly effective.