Liquid Crystal Window Spacer Fixing via Photo-Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid crystal window technologies face challenges in maintaining cell gap stability due to spacer flowage and are prone to base layer damage from heat-based fixing methods, which are time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A liquid crystal window with spacers embedded in and fixed within the alignment film, using a photo-alignment film coating method that prevents thermal deformation and enhances cell gap maintenance, allowing for efficient and economic production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heat-based fixing method is used to fix ball spacers, then spacers can be fixed to maintain cell gap, but base layer may be damaged due to excessive temperature and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell gap maintaining characteristicsVSAvoidbase layer damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal fixing method with a photo-based fixing method. Instead of using heat to melt and fix spacers, the invention uses photo-curable resin that hardens when exposed to light, thereby fixing spacers in position without subjecting the base layer to high temperatures that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fixing mechanism from thermal (heat-based) to photo-based (light-based). By using photo-curable resin that undergoes polymerization upon light exposure, the fixing process occurs at ambient or low temperatures, eliminating the risk of base layer damage from excessive heat while maintaining effective spacer fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If heat-based fixing method is used to fix ball spacers, then spacers can be fixed to maintain cell gap, but processing time increases due to prolonged heat exposure required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell gap maintaining characteristicsVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a photo-curing process that occurs rapidly upon light exposure. The photo-curable resin undergoes rapid polymerization when irradiated with appropriate wavelength light, enabling quick fixation of spacers in a matter of seconds rather than the prolonged heating time required by thermal methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If spacers are not properly fixed, then flowage of spacers occurs reducing cell gap stability, but proper fixing requires additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell gap stabilityVSAvoidfixing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spacer fixation function with the alignment film formation process. Photo-curable resin is applied to the alignment film, and when exposed to light, it cures and fixes spacers in position simultaneously with forming the alignment structure, eliminating the need for separate fixation processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The photo-curable resin performs dual functions: it forms the alignment film structure and simultaneously fixes the spacers in position. The resin self-adheres to the alignment film and self-hardens upon light exposure, automatically securing spacers without requiring additional fixation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 minimizes spacer flowage, prevents base layer damage, and ensures excellent orientation characteristics while reducing processing time and costs, thereby improving the overall performance and productivity of liquid crystal windows.

Implementation Method 1

using a photo-alignment film coating method that prevents thermal deformation and enhances cell gap maintenance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoto-alignment: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3392703B1Liquid crystal window and optical element comprising same

Publication Date: 2024.02.21 LG CHEM LTD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal window, a method of manufacturing the same, an optical element comprising the liquid crystal window, and a use thereof. The liquid crystal window of the present invention and its manufacturing method have excellent fixing property of a spacer and thus excellent cell gap maintaining characteristics, and can effectively prevent thermal damage of a base layer and be economical in manufacturing processes.