Single-Substrate Microcavity Display with Auxiliary Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are hindered by the need for two substrates, leading to increased thickness, cost, and processing time, as well as issues with light leakage and transmittance deterioration at the edges of microcavities due to differences in thickness and alignment of partition walls and alignment layers.
Innovation Solution
A display device is designed using a single substrate with a microcavity structure, where a roof layer separates the pixel and common electrodes, and an auxiliary electrode is formed to overlap the data line, enhancing the electric field and minimizing transmittance loss by maintaining a consistent thickness and alignment, thus preventing light leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two substrates are used to form field generating electrodes and liquid crystal layer, then the display device can function properly, but the thickness, weight, cost, and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the traditional two-substrate structure into a single substrate by integrating the common electrode, pixel electrode, and liquid crystal layer formation processes onto one substrate. This consolidation eliminates the need for a second substrate while maintaining the essential display functions, thereby reducing thickness, weight, and processing complexity
2Reliability
If two substrates are used to form field generating electrodes and liquid crystal layer, then the display device can function properly, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple functional layers (common electrode, pixel electrode, liquid crystal layer) onto a single substrate, the patent reduces material costs, substrate handling costs, and assembly costs associated with using two separate substrates, thereby lowering overall manufacturing cost while preserving display functionality
3Shape
If partition walls are formed at edges of microcavity with different thickness, then the microcavity structure is created, but light leakage and transmittance deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming the auxiliary electrode specifically at the edge regions of the microcavity where thickness variations occur. This localized electrode structure compensates for the thickness difference only in the problematic edge areas, maintaining uniform electric field distribution and preventing light leakage without altering the overall microcavity shape
4Shape
If partition walls are formed at edges of microcavity with different thickness, then the microcavity structure is created, but transmittance deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary electrode is strategically placed only at the edge regions where thickness variations cause transmittance deterioration. This localized compensation maintains uniform electric field strength across the microcavity, ensuring consistent light transmittance while preserving the necessary microcavity structure for liquid crystal containment
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 reduces the thickness and cost of the display device, improves transmittance by compensating for thickness variations at the edges of microcavities, and minimizes light leakage by ensuring proper alignment and electric field distribution.
Implementation Method 1
generating an electric field on a liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage to the field generating electrodes
Implementation Method 2
determining alignment directions of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer by the generated field
Implementation Method 3
controlling polarization of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept includes: a substrate; a data line and a thin film transistor disposed on the substrate; a common electrode and a pixel electrode disposed on the thin film transistor and overlapping each other by interposing an insulating layer therebetween; a roof layer formed to be separated from the pixel electrode and the common electrode while interposing a microcavity therebetween and having an injection hole partially exposing the microcavity; a liquid crystal layer filling the microcavity; an overcoat formed on the roof layer to cover the injection hole and sealing the microcavity. The pixel electrode includes an auxiliary electrode that is formed on the data line, the auxiliary electrode overlapping and being insulated from the data line.