Polygon Electrode Structure for LCD Viewing Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, such as IPS-LCD and FFS-LCD, face challenges in achieving optimal viewing angles and response times due to weak electric fields above electrodes, leading to lower transmission and additional lithography steps required for improved performance.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of polygon-shaped electrode structures with constant edge distances between adjacent electrodes, allowing for better control of the electrical field and improved viewing angles and response times, is achieved by arranging electrodes with hexagon or other polygon surfaces in a tiled fashion and connecting them to a voltage source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional zigzag or comb-shaped electrodes are used, then the electrode structure can be manufactured with conventional lithography, but the electric field control above the electrodes is weak leading to poor viewing angles and slow response
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode surface is divided into multiple polygon-shaped electrodes (hexagons, squares, triangles) arranged in a tiled pattern. Each polygon electrode is separated by insulating material, creating distinct electric field regions. This segmentation allows independent control of electric fields in different areas, improving viewing angle and response time while maintaining manufacturability through standard lithography processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If polygon-shaped electrodes with constant edge distances are used, then the electric field control is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from traditional linear comb-shaped electrodes to two-dimensional polygon-shaped electrodes arranged in a tiled pattern. This dimensional change from one-dimensional to two-dimensional electrode geometry enables uniform electric field distribution in multiple directions, improving viewing angles while the regular polygon shapes (hexagons, squares) maintain compatibility with standard lithography manufacturing processes.
3Illumination intensity
If asymmetric electrode shapes are used to improve electric field distribution, then viewing angle performance improves, but the device symmetry and manufacturing simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different polygon shapes (hexagons, squares, triangles) in specific local regions of the electrode array to optimize electric field distribution for different viewing directions. Each polygon type provides localized electric field enhancement in particular orientations, improving light transmission and viewing angles in those specific directions while maintaining overall device manufacturability through standardized fabrication processes.
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
This configuration enhances the control of the electrical field, leading to improved viewing angles and faster response times in LCD devices, while also increasing light transmission and providing flexibility in electro-optical behavior.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode structure comprises electrodes (4). Each electrode has a polygon-shaped electrode surface (6) and a plurality of electrode edges. The electrodes are arranged such that if an electrode edge is facing an electrode edge of an adjacent electrode then the electrode edge and the electrode edge of the adjacent electrode define a distance which is substantially constant along the entire electrode edge.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display device has pixels, and each pixel has a lower substrate and an upper substrate with a liquid crystal material in between. The each pixel also has an electrode structure between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. The electrode structure has electrodes, and each electrode has a polygon-shaped electrode surface and a plurality of electrode edges. The electrodes are arranged such that if an electrode edge is facing an electrode edge of an adjacent electrode then the electrode edge and the electrode edge of the adjacent electrode define a distance which is substantially constant along the entire electrode edge.