Inclined Microlouver for Privacy Display Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing demand for display devices that can limit the range of view to prevent information leakage, particularly in flat panel displays like liquid crystal display devices and OLED devices, where existing technologies fail to effectively restrict light distribution in unnecessary directions.
Innovation Solution
An optical element comprising a transparent substrate with a patterned transparent layer and light absorbing layer, inclined at specific angles, is integrated into display devices to control light transmission rates, allowing light to be emitted only within a desired range by deflecting the transparent substrate due to its own weight, thereby restricting the viewing angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transparent layer and light absorbing layer are made vertical to the substrate, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the light distribution control is insufficient and viewing angle cannot be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the transparent layer and light absorbing layer from vertical orientation to inclined orientation at specific angles. This parameter change enables the layers to deflect light at controlled angles, providing viewing angle limitation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard photolithography processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular orientation as a new dimension of control by inclining the transparent layer and light absorbing layer at specific angles relative to the substrate normal. This angular dimension enables directional light control without complicating the basic layer structure, allowing viewing angle limitation while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.
2Manufacturing precision
If external devices are used to control light distribution, then precise light angle control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transparent substrate serve itself by utilizing its own weight to generate the necessary deflection angle. The substrate's自重 automatically creates the inclined orientation of the transparent layer and light absorbing layer, eliminating the need for external mechanical support structures or complex positioning devices, thus reducing device complexity while achieving precise light angle control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a passive gravitational field-based solution. Instead of using motors, actuators, or complex mechanical structures to control light distribution, the invention uses the natural gravitational force acting on the transparent substrate to achieve the desired angular orientation, significantly simplifying the overall device structure.
3Strength
If the transparent substrate is made thicker for structural stability, then mechanical strength is improved, but the self-deflection angle decreases reducing light control effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the transparent substrate to achieve a balance between mechanical strength and deflection angle. By carefully selecting the thickness within a specific range, the substrate maintains sufficient structural integrity while generating adequate gravitational deflection for effective light angle control, resolving the contradiction between strength and shape.
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 limits light emission to specific directions, enhancing privacy by allowing clear image observation from intended angles while preventing peeping, with adjustable transmission rates and low manufacturing costs due to self-deflection of the substrate without external devices.
Implementation Method 1
deflecting the transparent substrate due to its own weight
Implementation Method 2
a light absorbing layer... controlling light transmission rates... limiting the range of outgoing direction of light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a microlouver (optical element) having a transparent layer inclined to attain a desired viewing angle. The optical element includes patterned transparent layer and light absorbing layer on a transparent substrate. At least a part of the members of the transparent layer and the light absorbing layer are inclined with respect to the normal to the plane of the transparent substrate where patterns of the transparent layer and the light absorbing layer are provided. The inclination satisfies |α′(x)−β(x)|<φ, where α′(x) represents a first angle which is an outgoing angle of light transmitted through the transparent layer from the transparent substrate at a point x on the plane, β(x) represents a second angle which is an angle of sight of an observer, and φ represents a third angle which is a threshold angle to attain the lowest desired brightness.