Light Control Film Louver Microstructure Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light control films and display assemblies struggle to effectively regulate light output distribution, leading to stray light projections in undesired directions, particularly in automotive displays, which can cause distractions during low-light driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A light control film with a substrate featuring a plurality of louvers and linear microstructures on opposite sides, where the louvers are registered to corresponding microstructures to align and absorb stray light, allowing only light within a specified angular range to pass through, thereby controlling the light output distribution and reducing unwanted reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If light control films are used to regulate light output distribution, then stray light projections are reduced, but light transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light control film is segmented into multiple functional layers: a first layer with louvers for blocking stray light, a second layer with microstructures for light redirection, and a third layer with additional microstructures. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall light transmission efficiency above 85%.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light control film have different optical properties. The louvers in the first layer are strategically positioned to block light from specific angles (stray light), while the microstructures in the second and third layers are designed to redirect light from other angles (desired light) toward the viewer. This local differentiation allows selective control of light paths.
2Loss of energy
If multiple light control layers are added to control light distribution, then light transmission efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light control functions are merged into a single integrated film structure. The first layer with louvers, the second layer with microstructures, and the third layer with microstructures are combined in one film, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while achieving superior light transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The light control film performs multiple functions simultaneously: blocking stray light, redirecting desired light, controlling viewing angles, and maintaining high light transmission efficiency. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated design of the three layers, each contributing to different aspects of light control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If louvers are used to block stray light, then unwanted reflections are reduced, but brightness output decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The second and third layers with microstructures act as intermediaries between the louvers and the final light output. These microstructures redirect light that has passed through or around the louvers, ensuring that desired light reaches the viewer while unwanted reflections are blocked. This intermediary function maintains brightness output despite the presence of light-blocking louvers.
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 efficiently transmits at least 85% of light within the desired output distribution, significantly reducing stray light and enhancing brightness by aligning louvers with microstructures, which improves light transmission efficiency and minimizes unwanted reflections, thus addressing the issue of stray light projections.
Implementation Method 1
backfilling the slots with a light absorbing material to from a plurality of louvers
Implementation Method 2
The microstructures and louvers may be registered to one another such that each louver is aligned with a corresponding microstructure. Such LCFs may be used to control the angle of light output distribution
Implementation Method 3
The microstructures and louvers may be registered to one another such that each louver is aligned with a corresponding microstructure. Such LCFs may be used to control the angle of light output distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A light control film and display assemblies that includes such a film. The light control film including a substrate defining first and second major surfaces with the first major surface including a plurality louvers spanning in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a normal of the first major surface, and with the second major surface comprises a plurality of linear microstructures spanning in the first direction. In some examples, each louver of the plurality of louvers substantially aligns with a corresponding microstructure of the plurality of microstructures.