Multilayer Optical Bonding for LCD Mura Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inconsistent gaps between the display and liquid crystal drive substrates in LCDs lead to stress, causing variations in the liquid crystal layer thickness and resulting in the mura phenomenon, which is exacerbated by the integration of touch-sensitive technology.

Innovation Solution

An optical bonding apparatus with a multiple layer structure, comprising a pressure sensitive bonding layer and a thermal flow pressure sensitive bonding layer, is used to bond between the touch panel and LCD, ensuring even surfaces and reducing stress through the thermal flow pressure sensitive bonding layer's ability to fill rough surfaces and maintain evenness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single bonding layer is used between the touch panel and LCD, then the device structure is simple, but the bonding surface remains rough and causes uneven spacing leading to mura phenomenon

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding layer structureVSAvoidspacing evenness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding layer is divided into multiple sub-layers: a first bonding layer in contact with the LCD and a second bonding layer in contact with the touch panel. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions - the first layer provides initial bonding while the second layer with higher viscosity fills surface irregularities, achieving both structural simplicity and spacing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding apparatus uses composite bonding layers with different material properties. The first bonding layer has lower viscosity for initial bonding, while the second bonding layer has higher viscosity to maintain spacing and fill rough surfaces. This composite structure combines the advantages of different materials to achieve both ease of application and precise spacing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If the bonding layer fills rough surfaces to ensure even spacing, then the mura phenomenon is reduced, but the bonding process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid crystal layer thickness uniformityVSAvoidbonding layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the bonding layer have different viscosities tailored to their specific functions. The first bonding layer has lower viscosity to flow and bond to the LCD surface, while the second bonding layer has higher viscosity to fill rough areas and maintain uniform spacing. This local differentiation of material properties achieves precise thickness control without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If pressure is applied to ensure bonding, then adhesion strength is improved, but the liquid crystal layer thickness varies causing mura

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidliquid crystal layer thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding layers are designed to perform preliminary actions in sequence: the first bonding layer initially bonds to the LCD surface, then the second bonding layer with higher viscosity fills surface irregularities and maintains spacing before final bonding completion. This preliminary action sequence ensures both strong bonding and uniform liquid crystal layer thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The second bonding layer with higher viscosity acts as a cushioning layer that compensates for surface roughness and prevents excessive pressure transmission to the liquid crystal layer. This beforehand cushioning protects the liquid crystal layer from thickness variations while still allowing adequate bonding pressure to be applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 reduces or eliminates the mura phenomenon by ensuring even spacing between the LCD and touch panel, enhancing display quality and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal flow pressure sensitive bonding layer, which is used for bonding to a rough surface of an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal flow: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a pressure sensitive bonding layer and a thermal flow pressure sensitive bonding layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensitive bonding: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2547742B1Multilayer structure, method for producing the same and touch sensitive display using the same
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 TPK TOUCH SOLUTIONS (XIAMEN) INC
  • EP2547742B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2547742B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2547742B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An optical bonding apparatus (30) with multilayer structure includes a pressure sensitive bonding layer (310) and a thermal flow pressure sensitive bonding layer (320). The thermal flow pressure sensitive bonding layer (320) is bonded to a rough surface of an object and superposed on the pressure sensitive bonding layer (310).