Optical Alignment Device with Segmented Masking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical alignment devices for liquid crystal substrates cannot uniformly apply different alignment pretile angles across the entire substrate, as they require manual intervention and are limited to uniform alignment processes, which is inefficient and lacks precision for substrates with varying dimensions and modes.

Innovation Solution

An optical alignment device comprising an aligned light source, a carrying mechanism, a masking mechanism with a PVC glass substrate and a black matrix or metallic masking layer, and a transporting mechanism that drives the masking mechanism to block specific areas, allowing for different curing voltages to be applied to distinct areas, enabling precise control of pretile angles using a motor-driven system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a uniform optical alignment process is applied to the entire liquid crystal substrate, then the alignment process is simple and efficient, but it cannot meet the diverse demands of different substrate areas and cannot provide different alignment pretile angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to provide different alignment pretile angles for different substrate areasVSAvoidcomplexity of the alignment process control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid crystal substrate is divided into multiple alignment areas (first area and second area), each capable of receiving different alignment pretile angles. The masking mechanism is segmented to selectively block specific areas, and the curing voltage output pins are divided into first and second sets that independently control different substrate regions, enabling differentiated alignment treatment without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The masking mechanism is designed to be movable along the substrate surface, allowing dynamic switching between blocking the first area and blocking the second area. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt to different alignment requirements by simply moving the mask to the appropriate location, providing versatility without permanent complex hardware for each configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If manual intervention is used for alignment processes, then flexibility is maintained, but efficiency is reduced and precision is insufficient for substrates with varying dimensions and modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of the optical alignment processVSAvoidprecision of alignment pretile angle control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-controlled alignment through automated mechanisms. The transporting mechanism automatically moves the masking mechanism to the correct position, the curing voltage output pins automatically apply appropriate voltages to different areas, and the control system coordinates all operations without manual intervention, achieving both high efficiency and precise control through automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system monitors and coordinates the alignment process by controlling the transporting mechanism's movement and the curing voltage output based on the desired alignment configuration. This coordinated control ensures precise application of different pretile angles to different areas while maintaining high processing efficiency through automated feedback loops

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances the efficiency and precision of the optical alignment process by automatically switching between different alignment areas and voltages, accommodating substrates of varying dimensions and modes, thereby improving the uniformity and accuracy of liquid crystal alignment.

Implementation Method 1

an aligned light source, a carrying mechanism, a masking mechanism, and a transporting mechanism; wherein the transporting mechanism is for driving the masking mechanism such that when the aligned light source is applied to the substrate carried by the carrying mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical alignment:

Implementation Method 2

the first curing voltage and the aligned light source cooperatively perform the optical alignment process on the first area with the first pretile angle, and the second curing voltage and the aligned light source cooperatively perform the optical alignment process on the second area with the second pretile angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical field effect on liquid crystal orientation:

Data Source

PatentUS9366908B2Optical alignment device and the method thereof

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 TCL CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

An optical alignment device and method are disclosed. The optical alignment device includes an aligned light source, a carrying mechanism, a masking mechanism, and a transporting mechanism. The carrying mechanism is spaced apart from the aligned light source. The transporting mechanism is for driving the masking mechanism such that when the aligned light source is applied to the substrate carried by the carrying mechanism, the masking mechanism is controlled by the transporting mechanism to block a first area such that the optical alignment process is switched from the first area to a second area.