Liquid Crystal Lens Grating Touch Control Electrode Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D touch control display devices have increased thickness and production costs due to the use of a two-layered electrode structure, which complicates manufacturing and affects the 3D display effect.

Innovation Solution

A liquid crystal lens grating with a single-layered touch control electrode is implemented by positioning the touch control electrode between strip-shaped electrodes and the upper transparent substrate, with a transparent spacer layer in between, allowing the strip-shaped electrodes to function as both a driving electrode for the liquid crystal lens grating and the touch screen, reducing the overall thickness and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a two-layered electrode structure is used for touch control, then touch control function is achieved, but the overall thickness of the display device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch control functionVSAvoidoverall thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch control electrode with the liquid crystal lens grating electrode into a single integrated electrode layer. The strip-shaped transparent electrodes serve dual functions: forming the liquid crystal lens grating for 3D display and acting as the touch control electrode, thereby eliminating the need for a separate second electrode layer and reducing overall device thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The strip-shaped transparent electrodes perform multiple functions simultaneously: they create the liquid crystal lens grating structure for stereoscopic display, serve as the touch control electrode for detecting user input, and provide the necessary electrical connection. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and reduces device thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a two-layered electrode structure is used for touch control, then touch control function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch control functionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch control electrode manufacturing with the liquid crystal lens grating electrode manufacturing into a single process step. By using the same strip-shaped transparent electrodes for both functions, the number of manufacturing steps is reduced, and the overall manufacturing complexity is lowered.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single electrode layer serves multiple purposes in the manufacturing process: it forms the liquid crystal lens grating pattern, provides the touch control electrode function, and eliminates the need for separate electrode layer fabrication steps, thereby simplifying the manufacturing procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a two-layered electrode structure is used for touch control, then touch control function is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch control functionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fabrication of the touch control electrode with the liquid crystal lens grating electrode into a single manufacturing process. This integration reduces material costs, eliminates additional manufacturing steps, and lowers overall production costs while maintaining full touch control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The strip-shaped transparent electrodes perform multiple functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate touch control electrode materials and reducing material costs. The single electrode structure also reduces manufacturing steps and associated labor costs, thereby lowering overall production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If a two-layered electrode structure is used for touch control, then touch control function is achieved, but the 3D display effect is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch control functionVSAvoid3D display effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the touch control electrode with the liquid crystal lens grating electrode, ensuring that the electrode structure does not interfere with the optical path or liquid crystal alignment. This integration maintains the quality of the 3D display effect while providing full touch control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The strip-shaped transparent electrodes serve dual functions without compromising either the 3D display effect or touch control function. The electrode design is optimized to maintain liquid crystal alignment and optical properties while enabling accurate touch detection, thereby preserving display quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration decreases the thickness of the 3D touch control display device, simplifies the manufacturing procedure, and reduces production costs while maintaining the 3D display effect and enhancing touch control precision.

Implementation Method 1

liquid crystal being filled between the plane electrode and the strip-shaped electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal electro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

a transparent spacer layer is located between the touch control electrode and the strip-shaped electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support:

Data Source

PatentEP2848990B1A liquid crystal lens grating having touch-control for a three dimensional display and its manufacturing process.
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONCIS TECH CO LTD
  • EP2848990B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2848990B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2848990B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a 3D touch control liquid crystal lens grating, a method for manufacturing the same and a 3D touch control display device. The 3D touch control liquid crystal lens grating comprises: a lower substrate, including a lower transparent substrate and a plane electrode formed on the lower transparent substrate; an upper substrate, which is cell-assembled with the lower substrate and includes an upper transparent substrate and strip-shaped electrodes formed on the upper transparent substrate; and liquid crystal, filled between the plane electrode and the strip-shaped electrodes, wherein at least one touch control electrode is disposed between the upper transparent substrate and the strip-shaped electrodes, and a transparent spacer layer is disposed between the touch control electrode and the strip-shaped electrodes.