Reflective LCD Alignment Layers With Micro-Structures for Low Haze
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflective liquid crystal displays suffer from poor display quality due to a whitish color with high haze in the dark state and slow response time, making active driving difficult.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a first and second alignment layer with micro-structures and a display medium between them, where the alignment layers have topographies with irregular areas surrounded by micro-structures, formed through polymerization of reactive mesogens, enhancing reflectivity and reducing response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional reflective liquid crystal display structure is used, then energy saving is achieved, but display quality deteriorates due to high haze and whitish color in dark state
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment layers are provided with local micro-structures (protrusions or depressions) at specific positions rather than uniform structure throughout. These localized micro-structures create corresponding micro-domains in the liquid crystal layer that selectively control light reflection, reducing haze in the dark state while maintaining energy efficiency of the reflective display.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional feature by creating micro-structures (protrusions or depressions) on the alignment layers, adding surface topology variation to the otherwise planar structure. This dimensional change enables the formation of micro-domains that improve display quality by controlling light scattering behavior.
2Device complexity
If conventional reflective liquid crystal display structure is used, then simple structure is maintained, but response time increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
By providing micro-structures only at specific locations on the alignment layers rather than uniformly throughout, the invention achieves improved response time through localized domain formation while maintaining overall structural simplicity and avoiding complex modifications to the entire display structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment layers with micro-structures are introduced, then display quality improves by reducing haze, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-structures are provided locally on the alignment layers rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure. This localized approach improves display quality by creating necessary micro-domains while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds surface topology variation (protrusions or depressions) to the alignment layers, introducing a new dimensional aspect that enables micro-domain formation. This dimensional enhancement improves display quality without requiring fundamental redesign of the entire display structure.
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
Improves display quality by reducing haze and achieving rapid response times suitable for active driving, with increased reflectivity and broader viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer are located between the first substrate and the second substrate. A surface of the first alignment layer and a surface of the second alignment layer facing the display medium have topographies with a plurality of irregular areas surrounded by a plurality of micro-structures.
Implementation Method 2
In the dark state, the existing reflective liquid crystal display may display a whitish color with a high haze level... A surface of the first alignment layer and a surface of the second alignment layer facing the display medium have topographies with a plurality of irregular areas surrounded by a plurality of micro-structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a first substrate, a plurality of first protrusions, a first alignment layer, a second substrate, a second alignment layer, and a display medium. The first alignment layer is disposed on the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The first protrusions are disposed on the second substrate and are separated from each other. The second alignment layer is disposed on the second substrate and the first protrusions. The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer are located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The display medium is located between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer, where a surface of the first alignment layer and a surface of the second alignment layer facing the display medium have topographies with irregular areas surrounded by micro-structures.