Segmented Pixel Electrodes for Uniform Electric Fields in LCDs

Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid crystal display panels face issues with non-uniform electric fields due to manufacturing errors in electrode gaps, leading to non-uniform brightness and decreased display quality.

Innovation Solution

A display panel design featuring a first and second solid pixel electrode on separate substrates with a liquid crystal layer in between, where the second solid pixel electrode surrounds the first, allowing for independent pre-tilt control and electric field formation between the common electrode and both pixel electrodes, thereby maintaining transmittance consistency despite pixel gap errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pixel electrode having a slit pattern is used, then the electric field can be formed between the common electrode and the pixel electrode, but a non-uniform gap between adjacent electrodes causes non-uniform electric field and non-uniform brightness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidpixel gap uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes (first pixel electrode, second pixel electrode, third pixel electrode, fourth pixel electrode) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows each electrode to independently form electric field lines with the common electrode, ensuring uniform electric field distribution even when gaps between electrodes vary due to manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the pixel electrode structure are designed with different characteristics. The segmented electrodes are positioned at specific locations (corners and edges of the pixel region) to locally control the electric field distribution. This local optimization ensures that each region contributes to uniform overall electric field formation, compensating for gap variations in different areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the gap between adjacent electrodes is controlled precisely, then uniform electric field can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric field uniformityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes (first pixel electrode, second pixel electrode, third pixel electrode, fourth pixel electrode) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows each electrode to independently form electric field lines with the common electrode, ensuring uniform electric field distribution even when gaps between electrodes vary due to manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the structural parameters of the pixel electrode from a single continuous electrode to multiple segmented electrodes with specific geometric arrangements. This parameter change transforms the system's sensitivity to gap variations, making the electric field uniformity less dependent on precise gap control and more dependent on the geometric configuration of the segmented electrodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a solid pixel electrode structure is used instead of slit pattern, then manufacturing tolerance is more forgiving, but electric field formation capability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetolerance to manufacturing errorVSAvoidelectric field formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes (first pixel electrode, second pixel electrode, third pixel electrode, fourth pixel electrode) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows each electrode to independently form electric field lines with the common electrode, ensuring uniform electric field distribution even when gaps between electrodes vary due to manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional slit pattern to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple segmented electrodes. By utilizing vertical stacking and horizontal positioning in multiple dimensions, the design achieves uniform electric field formation through geometric configuration rather than relying on precise gap control in a single plane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enhances display quality by ensuring uniform electric fields and transmittance, even with manufacturing errors, compared to conventional slit structure pixel electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

A liquid crystal display apparatus changes an arrangement of liquid crystal using an electric field. Accordingly, transmittance of the liquid crystal is controlled to display an image.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS9069217B2Display panel and method for manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display panel includes a first substrate including a common electrode, a second substrate including a first solid pixel electrode and a second solid pixel electrode, and a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second solid pixel electrode is spaced apart from the first solid pixel electrode, and surrounds the first solid pixel electrode.