Liquid Crystal Cell Assembly with Nanostructure Alignment Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal cell assemblies for LCDs face challenges such as complex manufacturing processes, electrostatic charges, dust contamination, and increased thickness and cost due to the rubbing method used for alignment layers, which affect alignment quality and thickness.
Innovation Solution
The use of one-dimensional nanostructures that serve as both polarizers and transparent electrodes, eliminating the need for a rubbing process and integrating alignment functions, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the rubbing method is used to form alignment layers, then alignment quality can be achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rubbing process from the alignment layer formation sequence. By using a photoaligner to directly form alignment patterns on the polyimide layer without mechanical rubbing, the complicated rubbing step (including cloth replacement, dust control, and electrostatic charge management) is removed while maintaining alignment quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rubbing method with a photochemical alignment method. Instead of using rubbing cloth to create physical grooves, a photoaligner exposes the polyimide layer to UV light through a mask, creating alignment patterns through photochemical reactions. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and associated problems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the rubbing method is used to form alignment layers, then alignment can be achieved, but dust contamination and electrostatic charges are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rubbing with photochemical exposure to eliminate dust contamination and electrostatic charge generation. The photoaligner method uses UV light to induce molecular reorientation in the polyimide layer without physical contact, thereby avoiding introduction of harmful contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UV light as an intermediary to transfer alignment information from the mask to the polyimide layer. This optical intermediary replaces direct mechanical contact between rubbing cloth and alignment layer, eliminating the source of dust and electrostatic charges while achieving the desired alignment effect.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional alignment layers with multiple components are used, then alignment function is achieved, but the cell assembly becomes thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment layer and polarizer functions into a single integrated structure. The photoaligned polyimide layer serves both as the alignment layer for liquid crystal orientation and as the polarizing element, eliminating the need for separate polarizer films and reducing overall cell assembly thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional alignment layer that performs multiple roles: it provides liquid crystal alignment through photoinduced anisotropy, acts as a polarizer for light control, and serves as part of the electrode structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and decreases cell thickness.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional alignment layers with multiple components are used, then alignment function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (alignment, polarization, and electrode) into a single photoaligned polyimide layer structure. This merging eliminates the need for manufacturing and assembling separate polarizer films and alignment layers, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining alignment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate polarizer film and rubbing process from the manufacturing sequence. By using photoalignment to directly create both alignment and polarization functions in the polyimide layer, the patent removes unnecessary components and process steps, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.
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 results in a thinner, lighter liquid crystal cell assembly with improved alignment quality, reduced electrostatic issues, and lower manufacturing costs, while maintaining effective light transmission and blocking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of parallel fine grooves 1082 is formed on an inner surface of the alignment layer 108... The grooves 1082 and 1162 function so as to align the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 1182
Implementation Method 2
rubbing the surface of the alignment material using rubbing cloth to form the plurality of fine grooves 1162
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display includes a first base plate, a second base plate, a first alignment film, a second alignment film and a liquid crystal layer. The first base plate and the second base plate separately have an inner surface and the second base plate is located with its inner surface opposite to the inner surface of the first base plate. The first alignment film is arranged on the inner surface of the first base plate and comprises a plurality of juxtaposed one-dimensional nanostructures oriented in a first direction. Wherein the one-dimensional nanostructures cooperatively function as at least one of a first polarizer and a first transparent electrode. The second alignment film is arranged on the inner surface of the second base plate, and the liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first alignment film and the second alignment film.