Liquid Crystal Reflecting Surface With Asymmetric Electrode Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Phased array antenna devices using liquid crystal phase shifters have limited controllable ranges for radio wave direction, necessitating pre-orientation of reflective surfaces to cover desired areas, which is inflexible and environment-dependent.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent reflecting surface with patch electrodes, a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer, where the distances between patch electrodes and the common electrode vary periodically, allowing control of reflected wave phases and directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the orientation state of liquid crystal is changed to maximum extent in a phased array antenna device, then the controllable range of radio wave traveling direction is improved, but it still cannot cover all directions and requires pre-orientation of reflective surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrollable range of radio wave directionVSAvoidpre-orientation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by making the distance from the first patch electrode to the common electrode different from the distance from the second patch electrode to the common electrode. This asymmetric configuration creates inherent phase differences that enable broader directional control without requiring pre-orientation of the reflective surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between controllable range and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of control by varying the spacing between patch electrodes and the common electrode in the vertical direction. This additional degree of freedom (different spacing distances) complements the liquid crystal orientation control, enabling coverage of all directions without requiring mechanical pre-orientation, thus resolving the adaptability-ease of operation contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the reflective surface is pre-oriented to cover desired areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the device becomes inflexible and environment-dependent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the electrical characteristics of the patch electrodes asymmetric (different spacing to common electrode). This creates a dynamically adjustable system where the phase differences can be electronically controlled through liquid crystal orientation changes, allowing the device to adapt to different environmental requirements without fixed pre-orientation, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform spacing between patch electrodes and common electrode is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the phase control flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacing uniformityVSAvoidphase control range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the spacing between patch electrodes and the common electrode. The first patch electrode has a different distance to the common electrode compared to the second patch electrode. This asymmetric design provides inherent phase differences that enhance phase control flexibility while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and phase control versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 flexible control of radio wave reflection directions beyond the controllable range of traditional devices, adapting to varying environments without pre-orientation.

Implementation Method 1

A phased array antenna device using a phase shifter that utilizes changes in a dielectric constant due to the orientation state of liquid crystals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric constant change: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 2

An intelligent reflecting surface includes a plurality of patch electrodes, a common electrode opposite the plurality of patch electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer between the plurality of patch electrodes and the common electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250379617A1Intelligent reflecting surface

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 JAPAN DISPLAY INC

AI summary

An intelligent reflecting surface in one embodiment includes a plurality of patch electrodes and a common electrode opposite to the plurality of patch electrodes and a liquid crystal layer between the plurality of patch electrodes and the common electrode, wherein the plurality of patch electrodes has a first patch electrode and a second patch electrode adjacent to the first patch electrode, a first distance between the first patch electrode and the common electrode is shorter than a second distance between the second patch electrode and the common electrode, the first distance is a distance from a first surface of the first patch electrode to a surface opposite the first patch electrode of the common electrode, and the second distance is a distance from a first surface of the second patch electrode to a surface opposite the second patch electrode of the common electrode.