Surface Relief Liquid Crystal Lenticular Device for 2D-3D Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface relief liquid crystal lenticular devices face challenges in forming a uniform electric field and aligning liquid crystal molecules effectively, leading to suboptimal 2D and 3D image display capabilities due to incomplete structural requirements and impractical designs.
Innovation Solution
A surface relief liquid crystal lenticular device is developed with a lower substrate module, upper substrate module, plano-concave lens module, and sealing plastic structure, featuring ITO electrode layers, alignment targets, and alignment films, which allows for precise alignment and driving of liquid crystal molecules to form switchable lenses using an external power supply, enabling 2D and 3D image switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the ITO electrode layer is arranged on an arc surface of a lenticular lens, then the lens structure can be formed, but a uniformly-distributed parallel electric field cannot be formed between the electrode layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into multiple segments: a lower ITO electrode layer on the arc surface, an upper ITO electrode layer on the plane, and additional auxiliary electrodes. This segmentation allows each electrode to serve a specific function - the lower electrode conforms to the lens shape while the upper electrode provides a reference plane, collectively generating a uniform electric field through coordinated arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces auxiliary electrodes and alignment films as intermediary elements between the lower and upper electrode layers. These intermediaries help distribute and uniformize the electric field by providing additional field-generating points and controlling the liquid crystal molecule alignment, thus mediating the transition from non-uniform to uniform field distribution.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ITO electrode layer is moved from an arc surface to a plane, then a uniform electric field can be formed, but the lens module structure becomes incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both arc and plane surfaces by combining a lower electrode layer on the arc surface (maintaining lens shape) with an upper electrode layer on the plane (providing field uniformity). This merging of different surface geometries in a multi-layer electrode structure allows simultaneous achievement of structural integrity and electric field uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-surface electrode arrangement to a multi-dimensional multi-layer electrode structure. By adding the vertical dimension with multiple electrode layers at different positions (lower arc surface, upper plane), the system achieves both shape preservation and field uniformity that cannot be obtained in a single plane.
3Device complexity
If conventional surface relief method is used without additional structures, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be truly produced and used due to incomplete structural requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary actions by pre-forming alignment films on the electrode surfaces before assembling the complete device. These alignment films are prepared in advance with specific molecular orientations that guide the liquid crystal molecules during device operation, ensuring proper alignment and functional reliability from the start of device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously: adding multiple electrode layers changes the electrical parameter distribution; adding alignment films changes the molecular orientation parameter; adding sealing structures changes the mechanical containment parameter. These parameter changes collectively transform the device from a theoretical simple structure to a practically producible and usable device.
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 true producibility and usability by forming a uniform electric field, allowing for effective control of liquid crystal molecule alignment, thereby improving the quality and switchability of 2D and 3D image displays.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic material 38 with an electrically changeable refractive index... driven by the upper and lower ITO electrode layers and a voltage of an external power supply
Implementation Method 2
two ITO electrode layers 34, 37... driven by an external appropriate electrical voltage V
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a surface relief liquid crystal lenticular device, a manufacturing method therefor, and a display device with same. The liquid crystal lenticular device (60) includes an upper substrate module (171), a lower substrate module (161), a plano-concave lens module (64), a plurality of liquid crystal molecules (81), a sealing plastic structure (82), an electrically-conductive structure (83), and an external power supply (V). The lower substrate module (161) comprises a lower ITO electrode layer (62), a secondary ITO electrode (62a), an electrical blocking structure (62b), and several lower alignment targets (63). The upper substrate module (171) comprises an upper ITO electrode layer (72), a plurality of shading portions (75), and several upper alignment targets (73). A plurality of liquid crystal lenticular lenses is driven by a voltage to achieve the aim of 2D and 3D switchable display.