Liquid Crystal Lens Substrate with Alternating Annular Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal glasses with cylindrical or circular lenses are cumbersome due to their large thickness, which is a result of the need for multiple layers to modulate light and focus, leading to inconvenient and time-consuming manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A lens substrate with a base substrate, wiring layer, first annular electrode layer, and second annular electrode layer, where the electrodes are arranged concentrically and connected through via holes, with place-giving patterns to prevent short-circuiting and allow for a thinner, more efficient Fresnel zone plate-like functionality, enabling the production of lightweight liquid crystal glasses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple layers of cylindrical lenses or circular lenses are used to modulate natural light and focus, then light focusing capability is improved, but lens thickness increases and the structure becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens structure into multiple electrode layers (first annular electrode layer and second annular electrode layer) with alternating arrangements, replacing traditional single-layer or multi-layer lens structures. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute to light modulation while maintaining a thinner overall profile, resolving the contradiction between focusing capability and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar or simple curved lens surfaces to a three-dimensional stacked electrode arrangement with alternating orthographic projections. This dimensional change enables light to be modulated through multiple alternating layers, achieving effective focusing with reduced thickness by utilizing vertical stacking and alternating patterns.
2Reliability
If conventional lens structures with multiple layers are used, then light modulation is achieved, but manufacturing time increases and the process becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light modulation function into a single integrated lens substrate structure with alternating electrode layers, eliminating the need for separate grinding and assembly steps required by traditional multi-layer lens systems. This consolidation reduces manufacturing time while maintaining light modulation capability through the alternating electrode arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens grinding and assembly processes with a fabricated electrode structure that inherently provides the required optical properties. The alternating first and second annular electrodes create the necessary phase delays and light modulation effects through their geometric arrangement, eliminating time-consuming mechanical processing steps.
3Productivity
If via holes are placed close to annular electrodes for electrical connection, then wiring efficiency is improved, but short-circuiting between electrodes may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a place-giving pattern (recess or protrusion) at specific locations where via holes are to be formed, adjacent to the annular electrodes. This local structural modification ensures that via holes are positioned at optimal distances from electrodes, preventing short-circuits while maintaining efficient electrical connections. The place-giving pattern creates a safety margin only where needed, without affecting overall wiring efficiency.
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 solution allows for the creation of lightweight and efficient liquid crystal glasses that can focus ambient light effectively, reducing manufacturing time and improving user convenience by avoiding electrode short-circuiting and maintaining lens quality.
Implementation Method 1
a lens substrate which includes a base substrate; a wiring layer, a first annular electrode layer and a second annular electrode layer which are arranged in a stack on the base substrate in this order
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a lens substrate, a liquid crystal lens, and a liquid crystal glasses, where first annular electrodes and second annular electrodes of the lens substrate are arranged concentric with each other, and orthographic projections of the first annular electrodes onto a base substrate and orthographic projections of the second annular electrodes onto the base substrate are arranged alternately; where first wirings are electrically connected with the second annular electrodes through first via holes, and at least a first annular electrode adjacent to a part of the first via holes includes a place-giving pattern in an area corresponding to the part of the first via holes, and a smallest spacing between the place-giving pattern and its corresponding first via hole is no less than a preset distance.