Thermochromic Light Blocking Member for Display Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid crystal displays (LCDs) where pixel electrodes and light blocking members are formed on different panels, alignment errors can occur, and the light blocking member obstructs the view of thin film transistors and data lines during manufacturing and inspection processes, making it difficult to observe and inspect these components.
Innovation Solution
A light blocking member with variable transmittance is developed, comprising a thermochromic material that changes from black to transparent at a threshold temperature between -20°C to 90°C, allowing for reversible transmittance changes within 1°C to 2°C, and including a polymerizable compound and binder, which can be used on the same display panel as pixel electrodes and thin film transistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the light blocking member is formed on the same display panel as the pixel electrodes and thin film transistors, then the alignment between pixel electrodes and color filters is improved, but the visibility of thin film transistors and data lines during manufacturing and inspection processes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking member incorporates a thermochromic material that dynamically changes its light blocking properties in response to temperature changes. During normal operation at lower temperatures, the material blocks light to prevent leakage. During inspection processes when heated above the threshold temperature, the material becomes transparent, allowing visibility of underlying components. This dynamic property resolution allows the same structure to serve both light blocking and inspection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the optical parameters of the light blocking member by incorporating thermochromic material whose light blocking characteristics change with temperature. The material transitions from a light-blocking state at temperatures below the threshold to a transparent state at temperatures above the threshold, enabling the system to adapt its optical properties based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If the light blocking member blocks light at the portion where thin film transistors are disposed, then light leakage is prevented, but the observation of constituent elements during developing and manufacturing processes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking member exhibits periodic switching between light-blocking and transparent states based on temperature cycles. During normal operation, it maintains a light-blocking state to prevent leakage. During inspection phases, heating causes it to transition to a transparent state for observation. This periodic switching allows the system to alternate between maintaining reliability and enabling ease of operation as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermochromic material in the light blocking member undergoes a phase transition in response to temperature changes. Below the threshold temperature, the material is in a state that blocks light effectively. Above the threshold temperature, it transitions to a transparent state. This phase transition mechanism enables the light blocking member to switch between preventing light leakage and allowing observation of underlying components.
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 solution enables the light blocking member to block light effectively at lower temperatures while becoming transparent at higher temperatures, allowing for clear observation of underlying components during manufacturing and inspection processes, and reversibly returning to its original state, thus facilitating defect inspection and process visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a thermochromic material that exhibits a black color (blocks light) at a temperature below a threshold temperature and becomes transparent at a temperature above the threshold temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A light blocking member having variable transmittance, a display panel including the same, and a manufacturing method thereof. A light blocking member having a variable transmittance according to one exemplary embodiment includes a polymerizable compound, a binder, and a thermochromic material that exhibits a black color at a temperature below a threshold temperature and becomes transparent at a temperature above the threshold temperature.