Bidirectional Display Element with Switchable Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display elements, such as liquid crystal elements, emit light only in one direction, making them unsuitable for versatile use in portable information devices, leading to issues like information divulgence, energy inefficiency, and the need for complex hinge mechanisms to switch display orientations, which increases weight and costs.
Innovation Solution
A display element with a planar backlight sandwiched between two liquid crystal elements and two light control elements that can switch between light transmission and reflection modes, allowing light to be emitted on both sides, enabling optional direction switching of the display based on user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-direction light emitting display element is used, then the display structure is simple, but the display cannot be viewed from both sides and information may be divulged
Solution Approach 1:
The display element is segmented into two separate light control elements (first and second) positioned on opposite sides of the backlight, allowing independent control of light transmission in each direction. This segmentation enables bidirectional display functionality while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The display element achieves multi-functionality by enabling light transmission in multiple directions (front and back sides) through the dual light control element configuration. This allows the same display structure to serve both front-side and back-side viewing purposes without requiring separate display units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light is emitted in one direction only, then energy consumption is lower, but the display cannot be viewed from both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The light control elements provide dynamic control over light transmission direction and intensity. By adjusting the transmission intensity of each light control element independently, the system can optimize energy consumption based on viewing requirements, enabling bidirectional display while managing power usage efficiently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinges are added to rotate the display 180 degrees, then the display can be used in different orientations, but the device becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hinge system with an optical control system using light control elements. Instead of physically rotating the display panel through mechanical hinges, the system electronically controls light transmission direction through the light control elements, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical rotation mechanisms while achieving the same functional result of displaying in different orientations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hinges with complicated mechanisms are added, then the display can switch orientations, but the failure probability increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical hinge mechanisms with an electronic/optical control system using light control elements. This replacement eliminates mechanical wear, moving parts, and complex transmission mechanisms that are prone to failure, thereby significantly improving reliability while maintaining the capability to switch display orientations.
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 allows for flexible display direction switching without compromising image quality, reducing power consumption, preventing information divulgence, and eliminating the need for heavy and complex hinge mechanisms, thus enhancing portability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each light control element is capable of switching, by voltage applied thereto, a light passing direction between one direction and both directions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is to a display element capable of displaying an image on both sides thereof. In the display element, display operation is not constantly performed on both sides, and the display operation is, as necessary, switched to displaying only on one side without lowering the efficiency of a backlight or other light emitting bodies. The structure is made such that a planar light emitting body capable of emitting light in directions of both faces is sandwiched between two light control elements capable of electrically switching, from outside, between a light reflection state and a light transmission state. In such a structure, the faces of the light control elements serving as light reflection surfaces in the light reflection state face the planar light emitting body, and the planar light emitting body and the light control elements are further sandwiched between two liquid crystal elements.