Transflective LCD Aperture Ratio via Thickness Adjusting Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transflective multi-domain vertical alignment LCDs suffer from a loss in aperture ratio due to the presence of main slits and alignment protrusions, which alter the electric field distribution and hinder the tilting of LC molecules towards the expected alignment direction.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design where the edges of the transparent and reflective electrodes are entirely covered at their connection points, eliminating the need for main slits, and incorporating a thickness adjusting layer that functions as alignment patterns, thereby increasing the aperture ratio without the use of alignment protrusions on the second substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If main slits and alignment protrusions are introduced to alter electric field distribution and tilt LC molecules, then LC molecule alignment is improved, but aperture ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the main slits from the electrode structure, extracting the harmful element that caused aperture ratio reduction. Instead of using slits to alter electric field distribution, the invention uses a continuous electrode design with optimized geometry to achieve both LC alignment and high aperture ratio
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using alignment protrusions on the color filter substrate (conventional approach), the patent inverts the alignment function by incorporating alignment features directly into the electrode design on the TFT array substrate, eliminating the need for protrusions that would reduce aperture ratio
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment protrusions are disposed on the second substrate to control LC alignment, then LC molecule orientation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode function and LC alignment function into a single integrated structure. The electrode pattern itself serves as the alignment guide, eliminating the need for separate alignment protrusions on the color filter substrate and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection for the liquid crystal display and serves as the alignment pattern for LC molecules. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated alignment protrusions, simplifying the substrate 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
This design enhances the aperture ratio of the display panel by ensuring the electrodes are fully connected within sub-pixels and eliminates the need for alignment protrusions, resulting in improved LC molecule alignment and display quality.
Implementation Method 1
a thickness adjusting layer (240) is disposed above the reflective electrode (190a) or above the reflective electrode (190a) and extends to a part of the transparent electrode (190b), which is adjacent to the reflective electrode (190a), in the same sub-pixel
Implementation Method 2
the edge of the transparent electrode (190b) and the edge of the reflective electrode (190a) at a connection part of the transparent electrode (190b) and the reflective electrode (190a) are covered entirely to form a pixel electrode (190)
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of alignment slits (S) are formed between the stripe electrode patterns... Being disposed between the reflective electrode and the transparent electrode, the main slits can alter the electric field distribution, so as to tilt the LC molecules toward the alignment protrusions
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, signal lines, sub-pixels, and at least one thickness adjusting layer. The second substrate is disposed above the first substrate and has a transparent electrode layer thereon. The signal lines are disposed on the first substrate. The sub-pixels are arranged between the first and second substrates. The sub-pixels are electrically connected with the signal lines, and parts of them have at least one transparent area and at least one reflective area. The transparent area has a transparent electrode therein, and the reflective area has a reflective electrode therein, respectively. The thickness adjusting layer is disposed above the reflective electrode and located at the reflective area of the part of the sub-pixels.