Liquid Crystal Electrode Layout for Electrical Light Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emission direction adjustment mechanisms in devices such as vehicle headlights and spotlights rely on complex mechanical components, necessitating a simpler solution for easy adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal element comprising substrates with electrodes and insulating members that utilize electrical control to refract light by adjusting potential differences across electrodes, allowing for easy adjustment of light emission direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical components are used to adjust light emission direction, then light direction control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical components (mirrors, lenses, arms) with a liquid crystal element that uses electrical field control to adjust light emission direction. The liquid crystal layer changes its molecular orientation in response to voltage applied to electrodes, thereby controlling light refraction and emission direction without any moving mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the liquid crystal material by applying voltage to alter its molecular orientation. This parameter change (from aligned to tilted molecular configuration) directly controls the refraction angle and light emission direction, enabling easy adjustment through electrical parameter control rather than mechanical movement.
2Manufacturing precision
If insulating members are added to increase phase difference, then refraction angle increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating members act as intermediaries positioned between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate. These insulating members have dielectric properties that enhance the electric field distribution within the liquid crystal layer, increasing the phase difference and refraction angle. Their strategic placement allows precise control of light bending without requiring complex electrode patterns.
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 element effectively refracts light to desired directions with increased phase difference and refraction angle, simplifying the mechanism for light direction control.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate
Implementation Method 2
The liquid crystal element effectively refracts light to desired directions with increased phase difference and refraction angle
Implementation Method 3
an insulating member having an electrical insulation property and disposed in the liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a liquid crystal element includes: a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; a plurality of element sets disposed on the first substrate and each including a first electrode and a second electrode; a third electrode disposed on the second substrate and overlapping the element sets in plan view; a liquid crystal layer positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate; and an insulating member having an electrical insulation property and disposed in the liquid crystal layer. In plan view, the first electrode and the second electrode in each of the element sets extend in a first direction and face each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The element sets are arranged in the second direction. The insulating member overlaps a gap between two adjacent ones of the element sets in the second direction in plan view.