Multi-layer Electrode Array Substrate for Blue Phase LCD

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid crystal display (LCD) devices using nematic liquid crystals require high driving voltages, which increase manufacturing costs and complexity, and have long response times, making them unsuitable for dynamic image display and color representation.

Innovation Solution

The development of an array substrate with a multi-layer electrode structure, including an electric conductive layer and etch-stop layers formed by the same material, which reduces the required driving voltage by increasing the equivalent horizontal electric field when the same voltage is applied, utilizing blue phase liquid crystals that are optically isotropic without an alignment layer, and employing a polymer-stabilized blue phase (PSBP) liquid crystal to enhance response speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nematic liquid crystal is used in conventional display devices, then the liquid crystal molecules can be controlled through alignment processing, but the manufacturing cost increases and the response time becomes long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment controlVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the liquid crystal phase from nematic to blue phase, which fundamentally alters the response characteristics. Blue phase liquid crystals exhibit faster response times due to their unique molecular structure and phase transition properties, eliminating the need for traditional alignment processing while maintaining control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention removes the alignment layer and rubbing treatment processes from the manufacturing sequence. By using blue phase liquid crystals that self-align through their intrinsic properties, the patent extracts and eliminates the problematic alignment processing steps that caused long response times and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If nematic liquid crystal requires color filter film for color display, then color display is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor display capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the natural color characteristics of blue phase liquid crystals and combines them with the multi-layer electrode structure to achieve color display. The interference effects and optical properties of the blue phase itself provide color differentiation, eliminating or reducing the need for separate color filter films and their associated manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If high driving voltage is applied to control blue phase liquid crystal, then the liquid crystal orientation can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid crystal controlVSAvoiddriving voltage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a multi-layer electrode structure with vertical stacking of conductive layers and etch-stop layers. This three-dimensional electrode configuration creates enhanced electric field distribution and increases the effective interaction area between the electric field and liquid crystal molecules, enabling better control at lower voltages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs composite material structures including multiple conductive layers with different materials (such as ITO, IZO, or other transparent conductors) combined with etch-stop layers. This composite approach optimizes both the electrical performance and manufacturing characteristics, allowing for reduced driving voltage while maintaining reliable liquid crystal control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution lowers the driving voltage needed for LCD devices, simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves response speed, enabling more efficient and cost-effective dynamic image display without the need for color filters or complex alignment processes.

Implementation Method 1

increases the equivalent horizontal electric field when the same voltage is applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric Field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

utilizing blue phase liquid crystals that are optically isotropic without an alignment layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical isotropy:

Implementation Method 3

employing a polymer-stabilized blue phase (PSBP) liquid crystal to enhance response speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS9921441B2Array substrate, liquid crystal display device having the same and method for manufacturing the same thereof

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 INNOLUX CORP

AI summary

An array substrate, including a substrate, a multi-layer electrode and a switch element, is provided. The multi-layer electrode is disposed on the substrate and comprises an electric conductive layer and a first etch-stop layer. The electric conductive layer covers the first etch-stop layer. The switch element is disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the multi-layer electrode, and has a second etch-stop layer.