VA LCD Electrode Cutouts for Transmittance and Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertically aligned liquid crystal displays face challenges in maintaining transmittance and manufacturing cost due to the complexity of aligning electrodes and the need for additional processes like hardening alignment aids for pre-tilting liquid crystal molecules.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a lower electrode with a center electrode and minute branches, and an upper electrode with specific cutouts that form sub-regions, allowing for alignment without pre-tilting aids, thus simplifying the manufacturing process and improving transmittance even when electrodes are misaligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If alignment aids are used to pre-tilt liquid crystal molecules, then response speed and viewing angle are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the alignment aid layer from the liquid crystal display structure, extracting the problematic component that caused manufacturing complexity while maintaining its functional benefits through alternative means (fringe field alignment)
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal molecules perform self-alignment through the fringe field generated by the electrode patterns, eliminating the need for external alignment aids. The system uses its own electric field to achieve the pre-tilt effect that previously required separate alignment layers
2Adaptability or versatility
If alignment aids are used to pre-tilt liquid crystal molecules, then viewing angle is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment aid layer is completely removed from the manufacturing process, eliminating the associated costs of material procurement, layer deposition, and hardening processes while achieving the same viewing angle performance through electrode design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, permanent alignment aid layers with a cost-effective electrode pattern design that achieves alignment through the operational electric field, reducing material costs and simplifying manufacturing
3Ease of manufacture
If electrodes are misaligned, then manufacturing ease is improved, but transmittance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode patterns are designed with built-in compensation features that anticipate and counteract potential misalignment effects, cushioning against the deterioration of transmittance that would normally occur with electrode displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the electrode patterns (such as the shape and arrangement of transparent electrode regions) to create a configuration that maintains optimal optical performance across a range of alignment conditions
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 reduces manufacturing costs and enhances transmittance by eliminating the need for additional alignment processes and maintaining performance even with electrode misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode and including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules aligned perpendicular to surfaces of the lower electrode and the upper electrode
Implementation Method 2
by applying a voltage to the field generating electrodes to generate an electric field in the liquid crystal layer. Particularly, by controlling the strength of electric field being generated, the liquid crystal display is able to manipulate the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display including: a lower electrode; an upper electrode facing the lower electrode; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode and including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules aligned perpendicular to surfaces of the lower electrode and the upper electrode, wherein the lower electrode includes a center electrode disposed at the center thereof, a first cutout disposed at the center of the center electrode, and a plurality of minute branches disposed extending outwardly from a side edge of the center electrode, and the upper electrode includes a second cutout disposed between the minute branches and the first cutout, a third cutout connected to upper and lower vertices of the second cutout to form a boundary among a plurality of sub-regions together with the first cutout and a fourth cutout connected to left and right vertices of the second cutout.