Liquid Crystal Alignment via UV-Cured Perfluorocarbon Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing liquid crystal display (LCD) panels involve complex processes such as coating and high-temperature firing, which result in low productivity and are not suitable for flexible organic polymer substrates, due to the need for traditional liquid crystal alignment films.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a liquid crystal composition containing a hydrocarbon derivative with a perfluorocarbon group, where the alignment film is formed by injecting the composition between substrates and undergoing UV irradiation, eliminating the need for coating and firing processes, thereby improving productivity and allowing for the use of flexible substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coating and high-temperature firing processes are used to produce liquid crystal alignment films, then the alignment film can be formed, but productivity is reduced and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid crystal alignment film formation process with the liquid crystal composition injection process. The photopolymerizable compound is injected together with the liquid crystal molecules between substrates, and both are simultaneously cured by UV irradiation, eliminating the need for separate coating and firing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional thermal firing process (mechanical/thermal system) with a photopolymerization process using UV irradiation (optical/chemical system). This substitution allows alignment film formation at lower temperatures without requiring high-temperature firing equipment.
2Reliability
If traditional coating and high-temperature firing processes are used, then liquid crystal alignment film can be produced, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple process steps into a single operation: the alignment film precursor (photopolymerizable compound) is mixed with the liquid crystal composition and injected together, then both are cured simultaneously by UV irradiation, reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The injected composition serves multiple functions: it acts as both the liquid crystal filling material and the alignment film precursor. The photopolymerizable compound in the composition forms the alignment film after UV curing, eliminating the need for separate alignment film preparation.
3Reliability
If high-temperature firing processes are used, then traditional alignment films can be formed, but flexible organic polymer substrates cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the curing parameter from high-temperature thermal processing to UV light irradiation at lower temperatures. This parameter change enables the use of flexible organic polymer substrates that cannot withstand high-temperature firing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal curing mechanism with photopolymerization using UV irradiation. This substitution allows alignment film formation at temperatures compatible with flexible organic polymer substrates, expanding substrate versatility.
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 approach enhances the uniformity, stability, and reliability of liquid crystal molecule orientation, improves the manufacturing efficiency of LCD panels, and enables the production of flexible LCD devices without the need for high-temperature processes.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the liquid crystal composition with UV ray
Data Source
AI summary
An LCD panel, comprises substrates facing each other, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the substrates and liquid crystal alignment layers, each sandwiched between the liquid crystal layer and a respective one of the substrates, wherein the liquid crystal alignment layers comprises hydrocarbon derivative having perfluorocarbon group.