Camera Module Optical Shutter with Silane Coupling Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera module optical shutters using polymer network liquid crystal layers suffer from 'cracked-patterned defects' due to separation of the polymer network from the transparent electrodes, leading to undesirable scattering states and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A camera module optical shutter design that includes a silicon oxide layer on the transparent electrodes, with a silane coupling agent bonded to the silicon oxide layer to prevent polymer network separation, ensuring stable alignment of liquid crystals and preventing cracked-patterned defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polymer network liquid crystal layer is used in a camera module optical shutter, then the shutter can achieve electrical optical switching with reduced size and thickness, but cracked-patterned defects occur due to separation of the polymer network from the transparent electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance between the transparent electrode and the polymer network liquid crystal layer. This coupling agent forms a chemical bridge that prevents separation, thereby eliminating cracked-patterned defects while maintaining the electrical optical switching functionality of the PNLC layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the transparent electrode, silane coupling agent, and polymer network liquid crystal layer into an integrated system. This composite approach enhances the overall adhesion and stability of the PNLC layer to the electrode, preventing defects during operation
2Reliability
If the polymer network separates from the transparent electrode surface, then the liquid crystal alignment state is disturbed, but this causes generation of recognizable cracked-patterned defects that reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent serves as a mediator that maintains the interface stability between the electrode and polymer network, preventing the harmful separation effect that causes cracked-patterned defects and ensures consistent optical performance
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional ITO electrode is used, then the electrode is slightly hydrophilic which causes the hydrophobic polymer network to separate easily, but adding a silane coupling agent layer increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent is applied as a thin intermediate layer on the ITO electrode surface, maintaining the simplicity of the overall electrode structure while providing the necessary adhesion functionality to prevent polymer network separation
4Reliability
If seal components dissolve into the PNLC layer near the seal, then the polymer network distribution becomes uneven, but this makes cracked patterns more likely to generate near the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent forms a protective intermediary layer at the electrode-PNLC interface, particularly near the seal region, that prevents uneven polymer network distribution and cracked pattern formation caused by seal component dissolution
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 solution effectively prevents the generation of streaky transparent portions in the polymer network liquid crystal layer, enhancing the reliability and performance of the camera module optical shutter by maintaining the scattering or transmission states as intended.
Implementation Method 1
a silane coupling agent is bonded to a surface of the silicon oxide layer
Implementation Method 2
a silane coupling agent is bonded to a surface of the silicon oxide layer, the surface being in contact with the polymer network liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 3
A polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) layer has properties of scattering light when no voltage is applied and transmitting light when a voltage is applied
Implementation Method 4
liquid crystal droplets 32 in the PNLC layer 30 come into contact with the surfaces of the transparent electrodes 12 and 22, partially changing the interface of the liquid crystal in the PNLC cell. This changes the alignment state of the liquid crystal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a highly reliable camera module optical shutter capable of preventing the occurrence of a streaky transparent portion in a polymer network liquid crystal layer in a scattering state, and a method for producing the camera module optical shutter. A camera module optical shutter includes a pair of substrates bonded together with a seal and a polymer network liquid crystal layer sealed between the substrates, wherein at least one of the substrates includes a transparent electrode made of an oxide conductive film and a silicon oxide layer covering the transparent electrode, and a silane coupling agent is bonded to a surface of the silicon oxide layer, the surface being in contact with the polymer network liquid crystal layer.