UV-Resistant Alignment Material for LCD Panel Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing process of LCD panels requires complex and costly masking to protect display regions from UV light during sealant pre-curing, leading to increased production costs and potential UV-induced yellowing of the display panel, especially for vehicle-mounted LCDs exposed to long-term outdoor use.

Innovation Solution

An alignment material composition comprising 89 wt % - 94.9 wt % organic solvent, 0.1 wt % - 1 wt % organic additive, and 5 wt % - 10 wt % polyimide resin, which absorbs UV light between 290 nm and 400 nm, eliminating the need for size-specific masks and enhancing UV resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If masking is used to protect display regions from UV light during sealant pre-curing, then UV-induced yellowing is prevented, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV-induced yellowingVSAvoidmasking process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful UV light into a beneficial tool by using it to cure the alignment layer. The alignment layer contains photopolymerizable compounds that cross-link upon UV irradiation, creating a stable alignment structure. This eliminates the need for separate masking steps while actually utilizing the UV light that would otherwise be harmful.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges two separate processes into one: the sealant pre-curing and alignment layer formation are combined into a single UV irradiation step. By formulating the alignment layer with photopolymerizable compounds, the same UV light used to cure the sealant also cures the alignment layer, eliminating the need for separate masking and curing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If masking is used to protect display regions from UV light, then display quality is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay quality degradationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful UV light into a beneficial tool by using it to cure the alignment layer. The alignment layer contains photopolymerizable compounds that cross-link upon UV irradiation, creating a stable alignment structure. This eliminates the need for separate masking steps while actually utilizing the UV light that would otherwise be harmful.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment layer formulation is designed to be self-protecting against UV damage while simultaneously utilizing UV for curing. The photopolymerizable compounds in the alignment layer cross-link upon UV exposure, creating a stable, UV-resistant structure that protects itself and the display region without requiring external masking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If alignment layer is formed before sealant pre-curing, then LC alignment is achieved, but UV light damages the alignment layer

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLC alignment uniformityVSAvoidUV light damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful UV light into a beneficial tool by using it to cure the alignment layer. The alignment layer contains photopolymerizable compounds that cross-link upon UV irradiation, creating a stable alignment structure. This eliminates the need for separate masking steps while actually utilizing the UV light that would otherwise be harmful.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the alignment layer by incorporating photopolymerizable compounds that undergo cross-linking upon UV exposure. This transformation changes the alignment layer from a UV-sensitive state to a UV-resistant cross-linked state, allowing it to withstand the pre-curing process while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If size-specific masks are used for different display regions, then UV protection is precise, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV protection precisionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal solution that works for all display regions simultaneously. The photopolymerizable alignment layer formulation provides UV protection and alignment functionality across the entire display area without requiring region-specific masking, thereby improving productivity while maintaining precise UV protection where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution reduces production costs, simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves the LCD panel's UV resistance, preventing damage from UV light and maintaining display quality.

Implementation Method 1

the organic additive is capable of absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light of wavelength from about 290 nm to about 400 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV light absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3550357B1Alignment material composition and liquid crystal display panel and preparation methods therefor and display device using same
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3550357B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3550357B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4V
  • EP3550357B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an alignment material composition, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a manufacturing method thereof and a display device. The alignment material composition includes: about 89 wt % - 94.9 wt % of an organic solvent; about 0.1 wt % - 1 wt % of an organic additive; and about 5 wt % - 10 wt % of polyimide resin, and the organic additive is capable of absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light of wavelength from about 290 nm to about 400 nm. The alignment material composition not only can form an alignment layer through alignment process but also can effectively protect liquid crystal molecules from UV light irradiation. When the alignment material composition is applied to the LCD panel, corresponding UV light masks are not required to be manufactured for LCD panels with different display areas. Thus, the production cost of the LCD panel is reduced; the manufacturing process of sealant pre-curing is simplified; the capability of the LCD panel in resisting UV light mediation is improved; and the product quality is improved.