TFT Array Substrate with Segmented Electrodes for LCD
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid crystal display devices, the FFS mode faces challenges with pixel defects due to short-circuits between the pixel and common electrodes, which are exacerbated by the need for a multilayer insulation structure, leading to manufacturing complexity and reduced transmittance.
Innovation Solution
A thin film transistor array substrate configuration where the pixel electrode and common electrode are separated by an insulation film, with branch conductive parts connecting the drain electrode to divided pixel electrodes, allowing for selective removal of defective branch conductive parts to prevent short-circuits and maintain insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pixel electrode and common electrode are disposed opposite with an insulation film interposed therebetween in FFS mode, then viewing angle characteristic is improved, but short-circuit between electrodes occurs causing pixel defects
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode is divided into a plurality of divided pixel electrodes, and the drain electrode is divided into a plurality of drain electrodes. This segmentation reduces the area where short-circuits can occur between the pixel electrode and common electrode, thereby reducing pixel defects while maintaining the FFS mode configuration that provides good viewing angle characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Branch conductive parts are formed to selectively connect specific divided pixel electrodes to specific drain electrodes. This local connection approach allows for precise control of electrical connections, enabling the removal or disconnection of specific branch conductive parts when short-circuits occur in localized areas, thus preventing widespread pixel defects while maintaining overall display performance.
2Reliability
If a multilayer insulation structure is used to prevent short-circuits between electrodes, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing insulation layers, the patent segments the pixel electrode and drain electrode into multiple divided electrodes. This approach prevents short-circuits through spatial separation and selective connection rather than through additional insulation layers, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Branch conductive parts serve as intermediary elements that selectively connect divided pixel electrodes to divided drain electrodes. These branch conductors act as controllable intermediaries that can be removed or disconnected to prevent short-circuit propagation, providing a simpler alternative to multilayer insulation structures.
3Illumination intensity
If the pixel electrode and common electrode are disposed opposite with insulation film, then transmittance is improved, but short-circuit between electrodes causes display performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the pixel electrode and drain electrode into multiple segments, the patent reduces the probability and impact area of short-circuits. This allows larger areas of the electrode structure to remain functional and contribute to light transmittance even when localized short-circuits occur, thereby maintaining display performance.
Solution Approach 2:
When a short-circuit occurs in a specific branch conductive part, that particular branch can be removed or disconnected without affecting the overall functionality. The remaining branch conductive parts continue to operate, allowing the display to maintain acceptable performance and transmittance by discarding only the defective localized connection.
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 improves the quality of the TFT array substrate by reducing pixel defects and maintaining high transmittance even when electrical defects occur, simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing display performance.
Implementation Method 1
a common electrode that is formed opposite the pixel electrode with an insulation film interposed therebetween
Implementation Method 2
branch conductive parts that conductively connect each of the drain electrode and the plurality of divided pixel electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A TFT array substrate includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, in which the pixel includes a thin film transistor, a pixel electrode conductively connected to a drain electrode, and a common electrode that is formed opposite the pixel electrode with an insulation film interposed therebetween. In the TFT array substrate, when one of the pixels is focused, the pixel electrode is divided into a plurality of divided pixel electrodes and includes a plurality of branch conductive parts that conductively connect each of the drain electrode and the plurality of divided pixel electrodes, and in plane view, the common electrode is not formed in at least a part of a formation region of the plurality of branch conductive parts.