Wire Grid Polarizer for Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal display apparatuses face reduced light efficiency due to light absorption by polarizers and are prone to cracks in flexible displays when strained, affecting the quality of the display.
Innovation Solution
A polarizer is manufactured using a substrate with a wire grid pattern and metal wires, where a polymer layer is formed with recesses and filled with metal ink, which is then heated to create a nano wire pattern, reducing the need for additional processes like nano-imprint or dry-etching and allowing for a thinner display panel with improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional polarizer is used to control light transmittance, then light polarization is achieved, but light efficiency is decreased due to light absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional absorptive polarizer with a wire grid polarizer that uses reflection and transmission principles. The metal wires in the wire grid pattern reflect polarized light in the blocking direction while allowing transmission in the passing direction, eliminating the energy loss associated with absorption and improving overall light efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display with wire grid pattern polarizer is strained, then flexibility is achieved, but cracks occur in the wire grid pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate with a wire grid pattern that is designed to maintain structural integrity under strain. The thin film structure and distributed wire grid pattern allow the display to bend and flex without causing cracks, as the flexible substrate accommodates mechanical deformation while maintaining the polarizer's functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The wire grid pattern is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to mechanical stress. The pattern's geometry and spacing are optimized to prevent crack propagation when the flexible display is strained, maintaining reliability while enabling flexibility
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple manufacturing processes are used to create wire grid pattern, then manufacturing precision is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing steps into a single integrated process. The wire grid pattern is formed using a unified approach that integrates substrate preparation, pattern formation, and metal deposition in one continuous process, reducing the number of separate manufacturing steps while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process utilizes controlled parameter changes during a single deposition step to achieve the wire grid pattern. By adjusting deposition parameters such as material flow rate, substrate temperature, and deposition time, the precise wire grid structure is formed without requiring multiple sequential processes
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 solution enhances light efficiency and prevents cracks in flexible displays by forming a polarizer with metal wire patterns on the same layer as the reflecting patterns, reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining display quality.
Implementation Method 1
An ink including a plurality of metal wires is disposed in the recesses of the transferred pattern. A metal wire pattern is formed by heating the ink.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first wire grid pattern disposed on the first substrate extending in a first direction. The first wire grid pattern includes first recesses spaced apart from each other. The first substrate includes first metal wires disposed in the recesses.