V-Shape Electrode Structure for Wide Viewing Angle LCDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal display devices using lateral electric field modes face challenges in achieving wide viewing angles and uniform gradation displays due to limitations in the alignment of liquid crystal molecules, leading to potential gradation reversal and visual angle dependency.
Innovation Solution
The liquid crystal display device incorporates a unique electrode structure with first and second main electrodes forming a V-shape on the array substrate and corresponding counter electrodes on the counter substrate, creating a lateral or oblique electric field that aligns liquid crystal molecules into four domains, ensuring uniform alignment and wide viewing angles through precise alignment film directions and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lateral electric field modes are used, then the device structure is simple, but the viewing angle is limited and gradation reversal occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode is divided into multiple segments (first pixel electrode and second pixel electrode) with different alignment directions. Each segment creates a specific alignment domain for liquid crystal molecules, enabling multi-domain structure that widens viewing angle and prevents gradation reversal without requiring complex overall electrode redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second pixel electrodes are configured with asymmetric alignment directions relative to the common electrode, creating non-uniform electric field distributions that generate four distinct alignment domains. This asymmetric configuration optimizes viewing angle characteristics while maintaining manageable electrode structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If lateral electric field mode is used, then power consumption is low, but liquid crystal alignment is insufficient leading to visual angle dependency
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pixel electrode (first and second pixel electrodes) are assigned different alignment directions and electric field characteristics. This local differentiation creates optimized alignment domains in specific areas, achieving uniform overall alignment and wide viewing angle while maintaining low power consumption through the lateral electric field mechanism
3Reliability
If simple electrode configuration is used, then manufacturing is easy, but gradation reversal occurs due to poor liquid crystal alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrode is segmented into first and second pixel electrodes with different alignment directions, creating multiple alignment domains that eliminate gradation reversal. This segmentation approach maintains relatively simple manufacturing processes while significantly improving gradation display quality and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment directions of different pixel electrode segments are adjusted to specific angles relative to the common electrode, optimizing the electric field distribution and liquid crystal alignment. This parameter optimization achieves reliable gradation display without requiring complex electrode configurations
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 stabilizes the alignment of liquid crystal molecules, enabling a wide viewing angle and reducing visual angle dependency, while allowing for high-quality displays with minimal gradation reversal, even with small electric field intensities.
Implementation Method 1
Liquid crystal molecules are switched by the lateral electric field substantially in parallel with the principal surface of the array substrate
Implementation Method 2
another technique is also proposed, in which the liquid crystal molecules are switched using the lateral electric field or an oblique electric field between the pixel electrode formed in the array substrate and the counter electrode formed in a counter substrate
Implementation Method 3
The liquid crystal display device incorporates a unique electrode structure with first and second main electrodes forming a V-shape on the array substrate and corresponding counter electrodes on the counter substrate, creating a lateral or oblique electric field that aligns liquid crystal molecules into four domains
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a first substrate includes a pixel electrode having a first main electrode in a belt-like shape extending along a first cross line direction which crosses at an acute angle in a counterclockwise direction with respect to an initial alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules, and a second main electrode in the belt-like shape extending along a second cross line direction which crosses at an acute angle in a clockwise direction with respect to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. A second substrate includes a counter electrode having a pair of third main electrodes in the belt-like shape arranged above a pair of regions sandwiching the first main electrode extending along a first cross line direction and a pair of fourth main electrodes in the belt-like shape arranged above a pair of regions sandwiching the second main electrode extending along the second cross line direction.