Liquid Crystal Panel with Integrated Louver for Viewing Angle Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid crystal display devices face an increased thickness due to the separate inclusion of a liquid crystal panel capable of switching between transmissive and scattering states and a louver layer for controlling viewing angles, which complicates the device's structure and thickness.

Innovation Solution

A liquid crystal panel incorporating a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer and integrated light-shielding portions that function as a louver layer, allowing for both viewing angle control and reduced thickness by integrating the louver function into the liquid crystal panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a liquid crystal panel and a louver layer are included as separate components to achieve viewing angle control and switching between transmissive/scattering states, then the viewing angle characteristics and privacy control are improved, but the device thickness and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle control capabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the louver layer and liquid crystal panel into a single integrated structure where the louver layers are positioned within the liquid crystal panel assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining both viewing angle control and transmissive/scattering state switching capabilities, thereby reducing overall device thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the louver layers provide viewing angle control while the liquid crystal layer enables switching between transmissive and scattering states. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated component rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a liquid crystal panel and a louver layer are included as separate components, then viewing angle control is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle control capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the louver layer within the liquid crystal panel structure, combining what would traditionally be separate components into a unified assembly. This reduces the number of interfaces and alignment requirements between separate parts, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining viewing angle control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a liquid crystal panel and a louver layer are included as separate components, then viewing angle characteristics are improved, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle control capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the louver layer and liquid crystal panel into a single integrated structure, the patent eliminates redundant materials and bonding layers that would be required for separate components. This integration reduces the overall material quantity and device weight while preserving the viewing angle control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated louver layer in the liquid crystal panel enables reduced thickness and weight of the display device while maintaining the ability to switch between wide and narrow viewing angles, enhancing privacy and visibility control.

Implementation Method 1

voltage is applied to a liquid crystal composition sealed between paired substrates such that the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal composition is changed according to the applied voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal alignment change: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

switching between a transmissive state and a scattering state by utilizing a difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal component and the polymer network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

first light-shielding portions and second light-shielding portions that function as a louver layer... transmitting front light and blocking oblique light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12265290B2Liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal display device

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 SHARP DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

Provided are a liquid crystal panel capable of controlling a viewing angle with a reduced thickness and a liquid crystal display device including the liquid crystal panel. A liquid crystal panel including: a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer; first light-shielding portions extending parallel to one another; second light-shielding portions extending parallel to one another in the same direction as the first light-shielding portions and located closer to a viewing surface side than the first light-shielding portions are.