Lighting Device Liquid Crystal Lens Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for a lighting device that can adapt and correct the shape of light distribution to match various configurations of light emitting modules, as the shape of light distribution through a liquid crystal lens changes based on the module's configuration.
Innovation Solution
The lighting device incorporates a stacked configuration of multiple liquid crystal cells with alternating transparent electrodes, which are controlled by a control unit to adjust the refractive index and polarization of light, allowing for the correction of light distribution shape by supplying potentials to the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single liquid crystal lens is used to distribute light, then the device structure is simple, but the light distribution shape cannot be corrected to match various light emitting module configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is divided into multiple liquid crystal cells (first liquid crystal cell and second liquid crystal cell) stacked together. Each cell contains substrates with transparent electrodes arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows independent control of each cell to correct different aspects of light distribution shape, enabling adaptation to various light emitting module configurations while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stacking dimension by arranging multiple liquid crystal cells in the thickness direction of the optical element. The first and second liquid crystal cells are stacked with their substrates facing each other, creating a multi-layer structure. This dimensional approach enables complex light distribution correction capabilities that cannot be achieved with a single planar liquid crystal lens, while the standardized cell structure keeps the overall device complexity controlled
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple liquid crystal cells with alternating electrodes are stacked to correct light distribution shape, then adaptability to various configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked liquid crystal cell structure serves multiple functions: the first liquid crystal cell corrects light distribution in one plane, the second liquid crystal cell corrects light distribution in another plane, and together they enable adaptation to various light emitting module configurations. The alternating transparent electrode arrangement (first, second, third, and fourth transparent electrodes) creates complementary electric fields that work together to achieve comprehensive light distribution control, making the optical element universally applicable to different module types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the second liquid crystal cell is positioned within the optical element assembly that already contains the first liquid crystal cell. The substrates of the two cells are arranged with alternating transparent electrodes facing each other, creating a compact nested configuration. This nesting approach enables complex light distribution correction functionality while minimizing the increase in device complexity through space-efficient arrangement
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
This solution enables the lighting device to effectively adjust and correct the light distribution shape, ensuring compatibility with different light emitting modules and maintaining the same polarization direction of light before and after passing through the optical element, while diffusing light in predetermined directions.
Implementation Method 1
a change in the refractive index of a liquid crystal is utilized by adjusting a voltage applied to the liquid crystal
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell includes a first substrate on which a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode are alternately arranged
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device includes a light emitting module and an optical element including first and second liquid crystal cells. Each of the first and second liquid crystal cells includes first and second transparent electrodes extending in a first direction and third and fourth transparent electrodes extending in a second direction. The light emitting module includes a light source, a light guide plate including an end surface into which light emitted from the light source is incident and a first surface from which the light incident into the end surface is emitted, and a prism sheet disposed opposite to the first surface. The second substrate of the first liquid crystal cell and the first substrate of the second liquid crystal cell are adjacent to each other. The first surface includes a plurality of first grooves extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.