V-Shaped Pixel Electrode Structure for IPS Display Field Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In in-plane switching (IPS) and fringe field switching (FFS) liquid crystal displays, the distribution of the driving electric field is compromised due to the need for multiple alignment domains, which requires multiple strip-shaped electrode patterns and additional connecting electrodes, leading to poor electric field distribution.

Innovation Solution

A pixel structure with first and second regions, featuring oblique electrode patterns that form V-shaped patterns, where the second pixel electrode includes protrusion patterns to enhance electric field distribution, ensuring liquid crystals are aligned correctly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple strip-shaped electrode patterns are used to define multiple alignment domains, then the liquid crystal alignment is improved, but the electric field distribution deteriorates due to the need for additional connecting electrodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid crystal alignmentVSAvoidelectric field distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode patterns are divided into multiple regions (first region and second region) with different oblique electrode pattern orientations. The first oblique electrode patterns are parallel to a first direction in the first region, while the second oblique electrode patterns are parallel to a second direction in the second region, allowing different alignment domains to be defined without additional connecting electrodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel electrode uses asymmetric oblique electrode patterns where the orientation of electrode patterns changes between different regions. This asymmetric design allows the electric field to be properly distributed across multiple alignment domains without requiring symmetric connecting electrodes that would disrupt the field distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If additional connecting electrodes are configured to connect stripe-shaped electrode patterns, then the electrode connectivity is improved, but the electric field distribution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode connectivityVSAvoidelectric field distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting function is merged into the pixel electrode structure itself through the oblique electrode patterns at the boundary between first and second regions. The patterns are designed to be connected to each other, forming integrated V-shaped patterns that provide both connectivity and proper electric field distribution without requiring separate connecting electrodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The problematic connecting electrodes that disrupt electric field distribution are completely removed from the design. Instead, the electrode patterns themselves are designed to provide connectivity through their geometric configuration, extracting the harmful element while retaining the necessary functional connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two pixel electrodes with strip-shaped patterns are used, then the in-plane switching function is achieved, but the electric field distribution becomes poor when additional connecting electrodes are added

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvein-plane switching functionVSAvoidelectric field distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the pixel electrode are designed with different local characteristics. The first region has oblique electrode patterns parallel to a first direction, while the second region has patterns parallel to a second direction. This local quality variation allows the electrode to perform in-plane switching while maintaining proper electric field distribution across different areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 described pixel structure achieves a desired electric field distribution, improving display quality by aligning liquid crystals effectively and maintaining electric field strength across the display medium.

Implementation Method 1

a driving electric field is substantially paralleled with a substrate, and liquid crystal molecules are rotated in a direction parallel with the substrate to achieve the light valve function

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS9151970B2Pixel structure

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A pixel structure having a first region and a second region adjacent to each other is provided. The pixel structure includes a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode. The first pixel electrode forms a plurality of first V-shaped electrode patterns. A tip of the first V-shaped electrode patterns is located at a boundary of the first region and the second region. The second pixel electrode includes a plurality of second V-shaped electrode patterns and a first protrusion electrode pattern. The first protrusion electrode pattern is connected to one of the second V-shaped electrode patterns and protrudes towards an adjacent first V-shaped electrode pattern from the tip of the second V-shaped electrode pattern.