Electrochromic Viewing Angle Control in Color Filter Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal displays require additional panels for viewing angle control, leading to increased thickness and manufacturing complexity, which results in higher costs and difficulties in processes like rubbing and scribing.
Innovation Solution
A color filter substrate with a viewing angle control layer using an electrochromic pattern that adjusts light transmission or interception based on applied voltage, integrated into a single substrate with a display layer and liquid crystal layer, allowing for switching between wide and narrow viewing angles without additional panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional liquid crystal panel is added for viewing angle control, then viewing angle control function is improved, but device thickness and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the viewing angle control layer with the color filter substrate into a single integrated structure. The electrochromic pattern is formed directly on the color filter substrate, merging two previously separate components (viewing angle control panel and display panel) into one unified substrate, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining viewing angle control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The color filter substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display substrate and the viewing angle control substrate. The electrochromic pattern integrated into the color filter substrate enables viewing angle control while the color filters provide color reproduction, making the single substrate multi-functional and eliminating the need for additional panels
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional liquid crystal panel is added for viewing angle control, then viewing angle control function is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the viewing angle control layer with the color filter substrate, the patent reduces the total number of components and assembly steps. This integration eliminates the need to manufacture, transport, and assemble separate additional panels, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the viewing angle control function
3Adaptability or versatility
If an additional liquid crystal panel is added for viewing angle control, then viewing angle control function is improved, but difficulty in rubbing and scribing processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic pattern is formed directly on the color filter substrate during the same manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate rubbing and scribing operations on additional panels. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the difficulty associated with handling multiple substrates during these critical steps
4Length of stationary object
If a single substrate is used for both display and viewing angle control, then device thickness is reduced, but viewing angle control capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an electrochromic pattern specifically in the shading regions of the color filter substrate. This localized approach allows viewing angle control functionality to be implemented in specific areas without compromising the overall display performance and color reproduction capabilities of the substrate
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic pattern acts as an intermediary element between the color filter substrate and the liquid crystal layer. It mediates the viewing angle control function by dynamically adjusting light transmission in the shading regions, enabling viewing angle control capability to coexist with the display functionality of the single substrate
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 reduces the thickness of liquid crystal displays, simplifies the manufacturing process, and enables flexible viewing angle adjustment by controlling light transmission through electrochromic materials responsive to voltage, thereby improving display performance and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a viewing angle control layer with an electrochromic pattern that adjusts the transmission/interception of light incident from wide viewing angles depending on a magnitude of a voltage applied to the electrochromic pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A viewing-angle controllable color filter substrate includes: a display layer includes a plurality of openings separated from each other, shading regions disposed between openings that displays images; and a viewing angle control layer with an electrochromic pattern. A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display includes: forming a display layer on an upper substrate and a viewing angle control layer including an electrochromic pattern; forming on a lower substrate a plurality of pixel regions arranged in a matrix; and forming a liquid crystal layer.