Partition Wall Capping Layer Controls Alignment Solution Spreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid crystal display devices, the alignment solution tends to spread out during the formation of the alignment layer, leading to weak coupling between substrates and increased vapor permeability, which decreases the reliability of the display panel.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design featuring a partition wall with a body and a capping layer, where the width of the capping layer is larger than the body's upper surface, forming an undercut to control the surface contact angle and prevent the alignment solution from spreading, thus improving the reliability by using the inkjet method for alignment layer formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the alignment solution is applied to form an alignment layer, then the liquid crystal molecules can be aligned properly, but the alignment solution spreads out causing weak coupling between substrates and increased vapor permeability
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall divides the peripheral area into separated regions, creating distinct zones that prevent the alignment solution from spreading across the entire surface. The partition wall structure with body and capping layer segments the surface to control solution movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall acts as an intermediary barrier between the alignment solution and the peripheral area. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled interface that allows proper alignment layer formation while preventing harmful spreading through its specific geometric structure.
2Strength
If a conventional partition wall structure is used, then the alignment solution can be contained, but the coupling strength between substrates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is constructed as a composite structure with a body portion and a capping layer made of different materials or with different properties. This composite structure provides both the containment function to prevent solution spreading and the mechanical strength for proper substrate coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall structure changes the surface geometry parameters by creating an undercut profile where the capping layer extends beyond the body. This parameter change in the wall geometry controls the contact angle and surface energy distribution, preventing solution spreading while maintaining coupling strength.
3Area of stationary object
If the alignment solution spreads out, then the alignment layer coverage increases, but vapor permeability increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall creates local quality differences in the peripheral area by providing a specific geometric structure with undercut. This local structural modification controls the surface properties in the peripheral region to prevent solution spreading while maintaining proper alignment layer formation in the display area.
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 prevents the alignment solution from spreading, enhancing the reliability of the display panel by maintaining the integrity of the alignment layer and reducing vapor permeability.
Implementation Method 1
the undercut is formed at the side portion of the partition wall to control the surface contact angle of the partition wall. Therefore, the alignment solution may be prevented from spreading out across the surface of the partition wall.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a first display substrate, a second display substrate facing the first display substrate and being coupled to the first display substrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first display substrate and the second display substrate, an alignment layer disposed in a display area of at least one of the first and second display substrates, and a partition wall disposed in a peripheral area surrounding the display area of the first or second display substrate. The partition wall includes a body and a capping layer that covers an upper surface of the body. A width of the upper surface of the body is smaller than a width of the capping layer disposed on the body.