Grooved Electrode Hollow Space Light Controlling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-controlling devices face a trade-off between achieving high light transmittance and high shielding rates, with most technologies, such as those using polymer disperse liquid crystal (PDLC), falling short in providing sufficient light transmittance and shielding properties simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A light-controlling device is designed with a first and second substrate separated by a partition wall, containing a light-adjustment medium with charged particles, and electrodes of different sizes, where the first electrode has a grooved surface to increase its surface area and a hollow space to concentrate charged particles, allowing for enhanced light shielding without compromising transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the amount of charged particles is increased to improve light shielding rate, then the light shielding rate is improved, but the light transmittance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by creating a hollow space above the first electrode where charged particles can be concentrated. This vertical arrangement allows particles to be stacked in the thickness direction, increasing particle density without expanding the horizontal area that would block light transmission. The hollow space structure enables three-dimensional particle distribution that resolves the trade-off between shielding rate and transmittance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the electrode structure by creating a hollow space that divides the particle distribution region into distinct zones. The first electrode with its hollow space creates separate regions for particle concentration (within the hollow space) and light transmission (through the transparent substrate areas). This segmentation allows independent optimization of shielding and transmittance properties.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the concentration of charged particles is increased to maximize light shielding property, then the light shielding property is improved, but the light transmittance is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow space structure enables charged particles to be arranged in the vertical dimension rather than only in the horizontal plane. Particles are concentrated within the hollow space volume, achieving high local concentration for effective shielding while maintaining clear horizontal pathways for light transmission through the transparent substrate. This vertical stacking approach increases shielding efficiency without sacrificing transmittance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates different local qualities within the device: the hollow space region has high particle concentration for shielding, while the surrounding transparent substrate areas maintain low particle concentration for transmittance. This local differentiation allows the device to simultaneously achieve high shielding property where needed and high transmittance where light passage is required.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the area of the first electrode is increased to cover more of the first substrate, then the light shielding rate is improved, but the light transmittance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the horizontal area of the first electrode, the invention increases the vertical utilization of space by creating a hollow space that extends upward from the electrode surface. This allows charged particles to be concentrated in the vertical dimension above the electrode, achieving high shielding rate without increasing the horizontal footprint that would block light transmission areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow space is nested above the first electrode, creating a hierarchical structure where the hollow space contains concentrated charged particles that are vertically positioned over the electrode. This nested arrangement maximizes the shielding function within a compact vertical space without expanding the horizontal electrode area, thereby preserving light transmittance pathways.
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 device achieves increased light transmittance and shielding rates simultaneously by maximizing the concentration of charged particles within a limited space, effectively controlling light transmission and shielding without negatively impacting either mode.
Implementation Method 1
The grooved surface increases the total surface area of the first electrode while maintaining the size of the area on the first substrate being covered by the first electrode. The increased surface area of the first electrode allows for gathering and holding an increased amount of charged particles
Implementation Method 2
one or more particle guidance members that are thicker (in vertical direction) and are configured to create a hollow space over the first electrode... the charged particles within the cell can be stacked on each other and be collected within the relatively narrow hollow space
Implementation Method 3
a light-adjustment medium is disposed... The light-adjustment medium contains a plurality of charged particles... a first electrode and a second electrode... The first and second electrodes have different size
Data Source
AI summary
The light-controlling device includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a partition wall separating the first and second substrates to define a cell. A light-adjustment medium containing a plurality of charged particles is disposed between the first and second substrates. One of the first electrode on the first substrate and the second electrode on the second substrate covers lesser area of the light-controlling device than the other electrode. The electrode covering lesser area of the light-controlling device may have grooved surface to increase the surface area without increasing the overall area of the light-controlling device covered by the electrode. Particle guidance member can be used to create a reservoir for holding increased amount of charged particles on the electrode covering lesser area of the light-controlling device.