Electrochromic Liquid Crystal Optical Filter for Wearable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic devices have slow response times and their transmission spectrum is influenced by the thickness of electrodes and electrolyte layers, making them unsuitable for dynamic applications like wearable display devices, which require rapid dimming and uniform light modulation.
Innovation Solution
The optical device incorporates a medium with electrochromic materials and liquid crystals, separated by spacers of varying thicknesses, allowing for controlled adjustment of the electrolyte layer and rapid response times, and uses transparent electrodes with a sandwiched structure for uniform modulation of optical properties across an aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional electrochromic devices are used, then dimming effect is achieved, but response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrochromic materials with liquid crystals to create a composite medium that leverages the rapid response of liquid crystals while maintaining the dimming capability of electrochromic materials, thereby resolving the contradiction between response speed and dimming performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrode and electrolyte layer thicknesses are varied, then transmission spectrum is adjusted, but performance becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spacers with different local thicknesses to selectively control the electrolyte layer thickness in different regions, enabling transmission spectrum adjustment while maintaining manufacturing precision through localized structural modifications rather than global thickness variations
3Stability of the object's composition
If uniform light modulation is required for wearable displays, then color tint must be reduced, but absorption decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the color uniformity vs. absorption contradiction by transitioning from a single-layer electrochromic structure to a multi-layer composite structure with spacers, creating dimensional complexity that enables simultaneous optimization of color uniformity and light transmission through controlled layer interactions
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 enables rapid dimming and reduced color tint, enhancing the performance of wearable display devices by providing global or local dimming with lower absorption and faster response times compared to conventional devices.
Implementation Method 1
electrochromic devices can modulate light based on applied electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
By changing the optical properties of a material, electro-optic devices can modulate light based on applied electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes an optically dimmable filter that includes: a first set of electrodes; a second set of electrodes distinct and separate from the first set of electrodes; and a medium including electrochromic materials and liquid crystals between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes. An optical device includes an optically dimmable filter that includes: a first spacer and a second spacer having distinct thicknesses; a first set of electrodes; a second set of electrodes separated from the first set of electrodes by the first spacer and the second spacer; and a medium including one or more electro-optic materials between the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes. A wearable display device that includes a display device and the optical device is also described.