Liquid Crystal Light Guide Plate for Uniform Backlight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal display (LCD) devices face issues with light uniformity due to micro-structure patterning in light guide plates, leading to light leakage and increased manufacturing costs, and existing solutions require significant resources and time.
Innovation Solution
A light guide plate with liquid crystal molecules that change orientation upon electrical actuation, allowing for adjustable light redirection without patterned structures, using a polymer layer with transparent conductive films to create an electric field and control light transmission and scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If micro-structure patterning is used in light guide plates to direct light, then light redirection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical micro-structure patterning system with a liquid crystal-based optical control system. Liquid crystal molecules, when aligned in specific patterns, can redirect light without requiring physical micro-structures. This substitution eliminates complex manufacturing processes while achieving the same light redirection function through molecular orientation controlled by electric fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical state and orientation of liquid crystal molecules in response to electric field parameters. By controlling voltage applied to the light guide plate, the molecular alignment can be dynamically adjusted to redirect light. This parameter-based control replaces the need for fixed, complex micro-structures, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining functional capability.
2Productivity
If micro-structure patterning is used in light guide plates, then light redirection is achieved, but manufacturing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming micro-structure patterning processes with a simpler liquid crystal-based system. The light guide plate can be manufactured as a uniform structure, and light redirection is achieved dynamically through electric field control of liquid crystal molecules, eliminating the need for lengthy fabrication processes to create precise micro-patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability through liquid crystal molecules that can be reoriented in real-time via electric fields. This dynamic system replaces static, complex micro-structures, allowing for faster manufacturing and adjustable functionality. The liquid crystal layer can be applied uniformly and then controlled electrically, significantly reducing production time.
3Illumination intensity
If liquid crystal molecules are used to control light, then optical uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light guide plate and liquid crystal control layer into a unified structure where the liquid crystal molecules are embedded within or on the surface of the light guide plate. This multi-functional integration allows the same component to both guide light and control its distribution, reducing overall device complexity while improving optical uniformity compared to separate control systems.
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 enhances optical uniformity and reduces manufacturing costs by allowing for selective control of light zones, improving local dimming performance and brightness uniformity in LCD displays.
Implementation Method 1
Liquid crystal display (LCD) devices utilize light to display images. Light may be projected at different angles into the LCD panel. The uniformity of the images may be affected by the light.
Implementation Method 2
When the voltage is turned off in some of the light guide plate zones, light scatters by hitting irregularly oriented liquid crystal molecules.
Implementation Method 3
The polymer layer may comprise a first polyester film; a first transparent conductive film adjacent to the first polyester film; and a polymer material containing the liquid crystal molecules adjacent to the first transparent conductive film.
Data Source
AI summary
An example display device includes a display panel to display an image; a backlight unit to provide light to the display panel, the backlight unit including a light emitting unit to emit the light; a light guide plate to transmit the light emitted from the light emitting unit; a pair of electrodes adjacent to the light guide plate; and a polymer layer including liquid crystal molecules within the light guide plate. The liquid crystal molecules are to change orientation upon being introduced to an electric field created by the pair of electrodes to change an opacity of the light guide plate. The display device includes at least one film to collimate and direct light from the backlight unit to the display panel; and a processor to switch voltage being applied on/off to the pair of electrodes.