Light Path Control Member with Voltage-Responsive Alignment Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-shielding films lack the ability to switch between different modes for controlling light paths, limiting their functionality in applications requiring adjustable viewing angles and privacy settings.
Innovation Solution
A light path control member comprising a substrate, electrodes, and a light path control unit with alignment materials that change direction in response to voltage, allowing for switching between share and privacy modes by controlling light transmission and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional light-shielding film is used, then light transmission can be controlled in a fixed direction, but the viewing angle cannot be adjusted and privacy settings are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using liquid crystal alignment materials that can dynamically change their molecular orientation in response to voltage application. The second alignment materials change alignment direction from an initial direction (first direction) to a changed direction (second direction) when voltage is applied, enabling the light path control unit to switch between share mode and privacy mode. This dynamic reconfigurability allows viewing angle adjustment and privacy settings without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by utilizing the voltage-dependent alignment properties of liquid crystal materials. By controlling the alignment direction parameter of the second alignment materials through voltage application, the light path control unit changes its optical properties to switch between different modes. This parameter-based control enables versatile functionality with a relatively simple structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light-shielding film with fixed light path control is used, then manufacturing is simple, but functionality for switching between share and privacy modes is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic light path control by using voltage-responsive alignment materials. The second alignment materials change their alignment direction when voltage is applied, enabling the system to switch between share mode and privacy mode. This dynamic capability is achieved by integrating the alignment materials directly into the light path control unit structure, maintaining ease of manufacture while adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the alignment direction of liquid crystal materials to achieve mode switching. By controlling the alignment state through voltage, the system can transition between different operational modes without requiring complex mechanical or optical component changes, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alignment materials that change direction with voltage are used, then viewing angle and privacy control are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic alignment materials that automatically reconfigure their molecular structure in response to voltage without requiring complex control mechanisms. The second alignment materials change alignment direction based on applied voltage, providing flexible light path control through a relatively simple voltage-driven process rather than complex mechanical or optical control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves light path control flexibility through parameter changes in the alignment direction of liquid crystal materials. By controlling the alignment state through voltage application, the system can switch between different operational modes with a simple control mechanism, avoiding the need for complex mechanical or optical control systems.
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
Enables adjustable viewing angles and privacy settings by altering the alignment of light path materials in response to voltage, enhancing the functionality of display devices and light-shielding applications.
Implementation Method 1
the light path control unit includes a light transmission part and a light path conversion part around the light transmission part, the light transmission part includes first alignment materials, the light path conversion part includes second alignment materials, the second alignment materials change an alignment direction according to voltage application
Data Source
AI summary
A light path control member according to an aspect includes a first substrate; a first electrode disposed on the first substrate; a light path control unit disposed on the first electrode; a second electrode disposed on the light path conversion unit; and a second substrate disposed on the second electrode, wherein the light path control unit includes a light transmission part and a light path conversion part around the light transmission part, the light transmission part includes first alignment materials, the light path conversion part includes second alignment materials, an alignment direction of the second alignment materials change according to a voltage applied to at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode.