Light-Scattering Element for Haze-to-Transmission Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices that switch between transmitting and hazing states using positive-type liquid crystals with horizontal alignment layers suffer from insufficient transparency in the transmitting state and poor light-shielding effect in the hazing state.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a light scattering switching element comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, a first light modulation layer with positive cholesteric liquid crystal, vertically aligned alignment layers, and electrode layers that generate a vertical electric field to switch between hazing and transmitting states, improving haze and transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If positive-type liquid crystals with horizontal alignment layers are used to switch between transmitting and hazing states, then the device can achieve state switching through voltage control, but the transparency in transmitting state is insufficient and the light-shielding effect in hazing state is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of liquid crystal alignment from horizontal to vertical configuration. By using vertically aligned liquid crystal molecules instead of horizontally aligned ones, the optical properties are fundamentally altered to achieve both high transparency in transmitting state and effective light shielding in hazing state, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining vertically aligned liquid crystal layers with specific alignment layers and electrode configurations. This composite approach integrates multiple functional layers work together to enhance both the transparency and light-shielding performance, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-layer horizontal alignment structures
2Device complexity
If conventional horizontal alignment liquid crystal structure is used, then the device structure is relatively simple, but the haze value is insufficient and transmittance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the alignment parameter from horizontal to vertical orientation. This parameter change dramatically improves the optical performance metrics (haze value and transmittance) while the added complexity of vertical alignment layers is offset by the elimination of complex horizontal alignment structures, achieving better performance with comparable overall device complexity
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 improved haze values between 0.5% and 20% and transmittance of 70% to 90% for visible light, enhancing light scattering and shielding effects.
Implementation Method 1
a first light modulation layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first light modulation layer comprises a positive cholesteric liquid crystal
Implementation Method 2
the light scattering switching element is in a hazing state under an initial state, wherein when voltage is respectively applied to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer to generate a vertical electric field between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, the light scattering switching element is in a transmitting state
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a light scattering switching element including: a first substrate; a second substrate; a first light modulation layer disposed between the first and second substrates and including a positive cholesteric liquid crystal; a first alignment layer disposed between the first substrate and the first light modulation layer and vertically aligned; a second alignment layer disposed between the second substrate and the first light modulation layer and vertically aligned; a first electrode layer disposed between the first substrate and the first alignment layer; and a second electrode layer disposed between the second substrate and the second alignment layer, wherein the light scattering switching element is in a hazing state under an initial state, wherein when voltage is respectively applied to the first and second electrode layers to generate a vertical electric field, the light scattering switching element is in a transmitting state.