Liquid Crystal Cell Composition for Stable Haze and Lower Drive Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing normally transparent mode liquid crystal elements, such as PDLCs, face issues with high driving voltage and fluctuating residual haze levels, which affect their haze characteristics and transmittance variability.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal cell with a non-reactive liquid crystal layer and a conductivity control agent, where the average current density is adjusted between 30 µA/cm² and 60 µA/cm², enabling excellent transmittance-variable characteristics in transparent and scattering modes, and stable haze characteristics in the scattering mode, by optimizing the composition and heating time of the liquid crystal layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional liquid crystal cells are used, then basic display function is achieved, but response time is slow and viewing angles are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal cell is divided into multiple independent microlenses arranged in an array, with each microlens corresponding to a specific pixel. This segmentation allows independent optical control of each pixel region, enabling faster response times while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Microlenses are introduced as a third dimensional element on top of the conventional two-dimensional liquid crystal layer. This adds optical focusing capability in the vertical dimension, improving response time and viewing angle without significantly complicating the planar cell structure
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional liquid crystal cells are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but image quality and response performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Microlenses are pre-formed on a substrate before assembly into the liquid crystal cell. This preliminary preparation of optical elements allows for precise control of light focusing properties, improving image quality while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by separating lens fabrication from cell assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array serves as an intermediary optical element between the liquid crystal layer and the viewing medium. These microlenses mediate the optical interaction, improving image quality and response characteristics without requiring direct modification of the liquid crystal material itself
3Speed
If conventional liquid crystal cells are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but parasitic capacitance is high affecting response time
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal cell is divided into multiple independent microlenses arranged in an array, with each microlens corresponding to a specific pixel. This segmentation allows independent optical control of each pixel region, enabling faster response times while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cell are optimized for specific functions: microlenses provide localized focusing capability, transparent electrodes provide localized electrical control, and the liquid crystal layer provides localized optical modulation. This local optimization reduces parasitic capacitance by minimizing unnecessary material in each region while improving response time
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 liquid crystal cell achieves improved transmittance variability and haze characteristics, reducing the impact of driving voltage on haze levels and enhancing the performance of light modulation devices like smart windows and flexible displays.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens is disposed in each pixel region of the liquid crystal display device. The microlens may be disposed between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
the liquid crystal layer may be disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid crystal cell, a manufacturing method thereof and a use thereof are provided in the present disclosure. The liquid crystal cell is in a normally transparent mode, and has excellent transmittance-variable characteristics in a transparent mode and a scattering mode and excellent haze characteristics in the scattering mode. Such liquid crystal cell may be applied to various light modulation devices, such as a smart window, a window protective film, a flexible display element, a light shielding plate for transparent displays, an active retarder for 3D image displays or a viewing angle control film.