Light Controlling Apparatus with Polymer Network and Wall Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transparent display devices face challenges with low transmittance ratios, high power consumption, and difficulty in expressing true black due to the use of LCDs and OLEDs, and require continuous voltage application for transparent modes in PDLCs, while PNLCs have issues with external shock resistance and forming networks and walls simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A light controlling apparatus with a liquid crystal unit comprising a network and a wall formed from different polymers, using RM-based and Bisphenol A Dimethacrylate-based monomers, which allows for vertical and random alignment of liquid crystals without continuous voltage, enhancing transmittance and light shielding ratios, and is applicable to flexible displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PDLC or PNLC is formed into a single layer to enable light controlling in transparent display devices, then the device can scatter or transmit light without a polarizer, but the structure lacks resistance to external shocks and cannot simultaneously form both network and wall structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid crystal composition into separate regions: a first liquid crystal composition containing monomer and liquid crystal forms a network structure, while a second liquid crystal composition containing polymer and liquid crystal forms a wall structure. This segmentation allows both network and wall structures to coexist without interfering with each other during formation, while also providing enhanced mechanical resistance to external shocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite liquid crystal system by combining two different liquid crystal compositions with distinct properties. The first composition (with monomer) and second composition (with polymer) are mixed in specific ratios (1:4 to 4:1) to form a composite material that exhibits both network-forming and wall-forming capabilities, thereby achieving multiple functions in a single system.
2Illumination intensity
If continuous voltage is applied to PDLC to maintain transparent mode, then light transmission is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by forming the polymer network and wall structures during the liquid crystal composition formation process itself, before the device operates. The monomer and polymer are pre-positioned in their respective compositions, and upon UV irradiation, they automatically form the desired network and wall structures without requiring continuous energy input during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal composition system is designed to self-organize into network and wall structures through the chemical properties of the monomer and polymer components. When UV light is applied during formation, the system automatically polymerizes and forms the dual structure without external intervention or continuous energy supply during normal operation, achieving a passive, low-power state.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single liquid crystal composition is used to form both network and wall structures, then the process is simplified, but it is impossible to simultaneously form both network and wall structures with proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different regions of the liquid crystal composition distinct properties: the first composition (with monomer) is specifically designed to form network structures, while the second composition (with polymer) is designed to form wall structures. By controlling the spatial distribution and ratio of these compositions (1:4 to 4:1), each region performs its specialized function, achieving precise dual-structure formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the polymerization process through UV irradiation. The monomer in the first composition polymerizes to form a network, while the polymer in the second composition forms walls. By adjusting parameters such as UV irradiation time, intensity, and the ratio of the two compositions, the system achieves precise control over the formation of both network and wall structures with appropriate thickness ratios.
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 apparatus achieves a transparent mode without applied voltage, reduces power consumption, and improves light shielding by randomizing liquid crystal alignment, while maintaining high transmittance and shielding ratios, and can be applied to flexible and transparent display devices.
Implementation Method 1
If an electric field is applied to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) or polymer networked liquid crystal (PNLC), an alignment of the liquid crystal is changed, and, thus, light incident from the outside can be scattered or transmitted.
Implementation Method 2
The polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) or polymer networked liquid crystal (PNLC) formed into a single layer can be formed by mixing a monomer and a liquid crystal and irradiating ultraviolet (UV) rays to the mixture.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a light controlling apparatus (100) and a method of fabricating the same. The light controlling apparatus (100) comprises: a first electrode unit (111) and a second electrode unit (112) facing each other; a liquid crystal unit (120) between the first electrode unit (111) and the second electrode unit (112), the liquid crystal unit (120) including: a liquid crystal (120a); a network (150) having a first polymer (141) polymerized from a first monomer (141m) having a similar shape as the liquid crystal (120a) and a second polymer (142) polymerized from a second monomer (142m) having a shape different from the first monomer (141m); and a wall (140) having the first polymer (141) and the second polymer (142).