Electrochromic Dimming Structure for Anti-Dazzling OLED Mirrors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mirror display technologies, such as those used in on-board rearview mirrors, suffer from dazzling issues due to intense light reflection, which can impair the driver's visibility and increase the risk of traffic accidents.

Innovation Solution

An anti-dazzling device is integrated into OLED display units, comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dimming structure, typically an electrochromic layer or electrophoretic polarizing layer, that adjusts light transmittance under voltage control, reducing the intensity of reflected light by absorbing specific wavelengths, thereby mitigating dazzling effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mirror display technology is used to enable normal display and mirror function, then the device can exhibit pictures and reflect light, but intense light reflection causes dazzling that impairs visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay and mirror functionVSAvoiddazzling effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dimming structure that can dynamically adjust its light transmittance based on environmental conditions. The dimming structure transitions between different states (transparent and opaque) to adapt to varying light conditions, allowing the mirror display to function normally during the day while reducing dazzling effects at night or in low-light conditions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the optical properties of the mirror adaptable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the mirror by introducing a dimming structure that can alter its light transmittance. By controlling the transmittance parameter of the dimming structure, the system can switch between high transmittance (for normal display function) and low transmittance (for reducing dazzling reflection). This parameter change enables the mirror to resolve the contradiction between displaying images and reducing harmful light reflection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a dimming structure is added to reduce light transmittance and mitigate dazzling, then the harmful dazzling effect is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereflected light intensityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dimming structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a dimming element to reduce reflected light, functions as a switchable optical component for the mirror display, and integrates with the existing electrode structure. By making the dimming structure multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while still achieving the goal of reducing harmful light reflection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the dimming function with the existing electrode and display structure. The dimming structure is integrated between the first and second electrodes, combining the electrochromic or electrophoretic dimming mechanism with the mirror display architecture. This merging approach allows the system to achieve light transmittance control without adding completely separate structural elements, thus reducing the overall complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electrochromic layer is used as dimming structure to change light transmittance under voltage, then the dazzling effect is reduced, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmittance controlVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical dimming mechanisms (such as movable shutters or blinds) with an electrochromic or electrophoretic layer that changes optical properties through electrical voltage application. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical moving parts, seals, and actuators, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process despite the introduction of electrochromic materials. The electrochemical or electrophoretic effect provides a more manufacturable solution compared to mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 anti-dazzling device effectively reduces the intensity of reflected light, enhancing the display effect and improving user experience by minimizing glare, thus reducing the risk of accidents.

Implementation Method 1

a dimming structure, typically an electrochromic layer or electrophoretic polarizing layer, that adjusts light transmittance under voltage control, reducing the intensity of reflected light by absorbing specific wavelengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

a dimming structure, typically an electrochromic layer or electrophoretic polarizing layer, that adjusts light transmittance under voltage control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS11927784B2Display device
Publication Date: 2024.03.12 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US11927784B2 patent drawing
  • US11927784B2 patent drawing
  • US11927784B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an anti-dazzling device, including a first electrode, a second electrode and a dimming structure, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed opposite to each other, and the dimming structure is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and is configured to change a light transmittance of the anti-dazzling device under action of voltage. An OLED display device and a method for manufacturing an anti-dazzling device are also provided.