Photoaligned Alignment Layer for Liquid Crystal Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid crystal display devices face challenges in achieving precise control over liquid crystal alignment, leading to limitations in response speed, viewing angles, and the complexity of forming alignment layers, particularly due to the mechanical rubbing method and insufficient anchoring energy in photoalignment techniques.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method that incorporate a photoaligned alignment layer with a base layer and a controlling layer formed by photopolymerizing a monomer or oligomer, allowing for improved alignment force and reduced production time and costs by forming both layers in a single process, while enhancing viewing angles through varied polar and azimuthal angles in different domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rubbing method is used to align the liquid crystal, then the alignment can be performed mechanically, but it is difficult to precisely control the initial alignment state and provide different pre-tilts for each fine region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rubbing method with a photoalignment method using UV irradiation. The alignment layer contains photopolymerizable monomers or oligomers that, when irradiated with UV light, undergo photopolymerization to form a structured surface that provides precise alignment control for liquid crystal molecules without requiring mechanical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the alignment control mechanism from mechanical force to optical field control. By adjusting UV irradiation parameters (intensity, duration, wavelength) and the chemical composition of photopolymerizable materials, precise control over alignment state and pre-tilt angles can be achieved for different regions
2Manufacturing precision
If a photoalignment method is used to align the liquid crystal, then alignment can be performed by irradiation, but the anchoring energy required is not sufficient enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of photopolymerizable monomers or oligomers combined with polymer materials having liquid crystal alignment ability. This composite structure provides both the photopolymerization response for precise alignment control and the strong anchoring energy from the polymer matrix to maintain stable liquid crystal alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The photopolymerization process creates a curved or structured molecular arrangement in the alignment layer, forming a gel-like network structure that enhances anchoring energy while maintaining the alignment function
3Manufacturing precision
If separate processes are used to form alignment base layer and alignment controlling layer, then each layer can be optimized, but production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of the alignment base layer and alignment controlling layer into a single photopolymerization process. The composition containing both polymer materials and photopolymerizable monomers/oligomers is applied as one layer and cured simultaneously by UV irradiation, reducing production steps while maintaining functional optimization
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 improves response speed, reduces production time and costs, and enhances viewing angles by reinforcing the alignment force and allowing for precise control of liquid crystal alignment, addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first alignment controlling layer that is extended from the inside of the first alignment base layer... formed by photopolymerizing a photopolymerizable monomer or oligomer
Implementation Method 2
a first alignment base layer that is photoaligned... aligns the liquid crystal in a particular direction by way of irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate that has a first electrode formed thereon, a second substrate that faces the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer that is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a first alignment layer that is formed on the first substrate and is in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Here, the first alignment layer includes a first alignment base layer that is photoaligned, and a first alignment controlling layer that is extended from the inside of the first alignment base layer.