Liquid Crystal Lens Electrode Units for Smooth Focal Length Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid crystal lenses require independently driving a large number of electrodes, leading to a complex control method and poor smoothness in phase distribution, which complicates the adjustment of focal length.

Innovation Solution

The liquid crystal lens employs electrode units with conductive lines spaced less than or equal to 100 μm, arranged sequentially from the center outward, allowing for accurate control of potential distribution in annular zones by adjusting the first and second driving voltages applied to the conductive lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If concentrical electrodes are controlled independently to control phase distribution, then the focal length can be adjusted, but the control method becomes complicated and the phase distribution smoothness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal length adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode layer is divided into multiple electrode units arranged in sequence from the center outward, with each unit controlling a specific annular zone. This segmentation allows independent control of different regions while maintaining overall system manageability and smooth phase distribution across the lens aperture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each electrode unit is designed with specific conductive line spacing (≤100 μm) and geometry tailored to its radial position, creating locally optimized electric field distributions that collectively produce smooth phase distribution across the entire lens while enabling focal length adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If multiple voltage sources are required for independent electrode control, then phase distribution can be controlled, but the driving method becomes complicated and stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase distribution controlVSAvoiddriving method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electrode units are electrically connected in series between two voltage terminals, merging the control function into a single voltage source. This series connection simplifies the driving method while maintaining precise phase distribution control through the cumulative effect of electric fields across sequential electrode units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The series connection of electrode units creates a voltage gradient across the radial direction, with each unit experiencing a proportional voltage drop. This equipotential distribution approach simplifies the driving scheme while ensuring smooth phase progression across the lens aperture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Measurement precision

If conductive lines are arranged with spacing ≤100 μm in electrode units, then potential distribution accuracy improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepotential distribution accuracyVSAvoidelectrode fabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive line spacing parameter is optimized to ≤100 μm, providing a balance between manufacturing feasibility and potential distribution accuracy. This parameter change enables precise electrostatic lens control while remaining compatible with standard thin-film deposition and lithography processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the control method, enhances the accuracy of potential distribution, and improves the stability of the liquid crystal lens, allowing for smooth and efficient adjustment of focal length without the need for high-resistance films.

Implementation Method 1

each of the electrode units can accurately control the potential distribution corresponding to an annular zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

the phase distribution of such a Fresnel lens has a very poor degree of smoothness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal phase control: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentUS12216379B2Liquid crystal lens, goggles, electronic product, and liquid crystal lens driving method

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 CHENGDU YETA TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A liquid crystal lens includes a liquid crystal layer, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, transparent substrates. The second electrode layer includes multiple electrode units arranged sequentially from a position adjacent to a center thereof r toward a position away from the center thereof. Each of the electrode units includes at least one conductive line which extends from a first position of the electrode unit to a second position of the electrode unit. A distance between the second position and the center of the second electrode layer is greater than a distance between the first position and the center of the second electrode layer. A spacing distance between adjacent conductive lines is less than or equal to 100 μm. A way of driving the liquid crystal lens is simple, and an ideal potential distribution can be obtained and not affected by change of characteristics of a high-resistance film.