Light Ray Direction Control Element for Multi-Angle Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light ray direction control elements can only emit light in two types of angle distributions, which is insufficient for various usage situations that require multiple angle distributions.
Innovation Solution
A light ray direction control element comprising a first and second light transmitting substrate, with specific light transmitting and absorbing regions, and a light transmitting dispersion medium with electrophoretic particles that change dispersion state with applied voltage, allowing for control of light angle distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light ray direction control element uses a liquid crystal material with two alignment states, then the viewing angle mode can be switched between two types, but the element cannot emit light in multiple types of angle distributions for different usage situations
Solution Approach 1:
The light ray direction control element is divided into multiple light absorbing regions (first light absorbing regions and second light absorbing regions) with different orientations. Each region contains electrophoretic particles that can be independently controlled to absorb light from specific directions, enabling the element to achieve multiple angle distributions by selectively activating different regional combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light ray direction control element are assigned different functions through their orientation and position. The first light absorbing regions are oriented to absorb light from specific directions, while the second light absorbing regions are oriented to absorb light from different directions. This local differentiation allows the element to control light emission angles precisely by controlling particle distribution in specific regions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the element structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing becomes easier, but the capability to control multiple angle distributions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The light ray direction control element achieves multi-functionality by using electrophoretic particles that can be controlled by voltage to perform different light absorption functions in different regions. The same basic structure of light transmitting substrates and electrophoretic particles enables the element to switch between multiple angle distributions and emit light in different directions, making the element adaptable to various usage situations without requiring completely different structural designs.
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 element can emit light in three or more types of angle distributions by controlling the voltage applied to the electrophoretic particles, enhancing flexibility and adaptability to different usage situations.
Implementation Method 1
charged electrophoretic particles that are dispersed in the light transmitting dispersion medium and that have a dispersion state that changes according to voltage that is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A light ray direction control element includes a first light transmitting substrate, a second light transmitting substrate facing the first light transmitting substrate, a first light transmitting region provided on a first main surface of the first light transmitting substrate, a second light transmitting region provided on a first main surface of the second light transmitting substrate, first light absorbing regions positioned among the first light transmitting region, and second light absorbing regions positioned among the second light transmitting region. The light ray direction control element further includes a light transmitting dispersion medium enclosed in the first light absorbing regions and the second light absorbing regions, and charged electrophoretic particles dispersed in the light transmitting dispersion medium. When viewing a cross-section perpendicular to the first main surface of the first light transmitting substrate, the shape or the angle of inclination, with respect to the first main surface of the first light transmitting substrate, of the first light transmitting region and the second light transmitting region differs.