Retaining Wall Trunk and Branches for PI Liquid Reflux Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) manufacturing, the reflux of Polyimide (PI) liquid at the retaining wall can cause mura due to the excessive height of the Photo Spacer (PS) design, leading to overlapping with the sealant and affecting the curing process.
Innovation Solution
A retaining wall structure with a trunk and multiple branches is introduced between the alignment layer and the sealant, where the branches extend towards the alignment layer or sealant, distributing the impact force and diverting the sealant or alignment solution to prevent overlap and improve the display quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional retaining wall structure is used to block PI liquid, then the sealant curing is protected, but the PI liquid reflux causes mura due to excessive height
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining wall structure is divided into a trunk and multiple branches. The trunk provides the main blocking function to prevent sealant overflow, while the branches extend toward the alignment layer to distribute and redirect PI liquid flow, preventing reflux that causes mura. This segmentation allows the structure to simultaneously protect sealant curing and prevent display defects.
2Manufacturing precision
If the retaining wall is designed with excessive height to block PI liquid, then the blocking function is improved, but the PI liquid reflux increases causing mura
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the overall height of the retaining wall, the structure is segmented into a trunk and multiple branches at different heights and positions. The branches provide distributed blocking at lower heights, effectively stopping PI liquid flow without creating the excessive height that causes reflux and mura defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining wall structure transitions from a single vertical dimension (height) to a two-dimensional configuration with trunk and branches extending in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows the structure to block PI liquid effectively through distributed positioning rather than relying on excessive height, thereby preventing reflux-induced mura.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple retaining wall structure is used, then the manufacturing is easier, but the ability to distribute impact force and prevent overlap is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining wall is designed with a trunk and multiple branches that can be formed using standard photolithography and etching processes. This segmented structure achieves complex flow distribution functions through relatively simple manufacturing steps, maintaining ease of fabrication while improving the ability to prevent sealant and alignment solution overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining wall structure with trunk and branches serves multiple functions simultaneously: blocking PI liquid, distributing impact force, redirecting fluid flow, and preventing overlap between sealant and alignment solution. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single structural design that can be manufactured using existing processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving precision.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a display panel, a manufacturing method therefor, and a display device. The display panel is divided into an active area and a non-active area, and includes: a first substrate, a second substrate, a sealant arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an alignment layer arranged on the second substrate. The non-active area of the second substrate is provided with a retaining wall structure, and the retaining wall structure is arranged between the alignment layer and the sealant. The retaining wall structure includes a trunk and a plurality of branches, where the plurality of branches are arranged at least on a side of the trunk close to the alignment layer or the sealant, and the plurality of branches are respectively away from the trunk and extend toward the alignment layer or the sealant.