Liquid Crystal Lighting Optics With Variable-Pitch Electrode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices using liquid crystal optical elements struggle to effectively control light distribution and pattern due to limitations in electrode configurations and refractive index manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device comprising a light source with multiple optical elements and a liquid crystal optical element, where the first and second electrode groups on adjacent substrates have alternating transparent electrodes with different pitches, allowing for precise control of light transmission and diffusion in various directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal optical element uses conventional electrode configurations to control light distribution, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to control light in multiple directions and patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode configuration is divided into multiple independent electrode groups (first electrode group, second electrode group, third electrode group, fourth electrode group) arranged in a specific pattern. Each electrode group can be independently controlled to generate different refractive index distributions, enabling versatile light distribution control in multiple directions and patterns without requiring a completely complex single-electrode system
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrode groups are assigned different pitch values (first pitch, second pitch, third pitch, fourth pitch) to create localized refractive index variations tailored for specific light control functions. This allows each region of the liquid crystal optical element to have optimized properties for its specific light control task, enhancing overall adaptability while maintaining manageable electrode complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If the pitch between transparent electrodes is uniform, then the electrode arrangement is simple to manufacture, but the light distribution control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different pitch values for different electrode groups: the first and second transparent electrodes have a first pitch, while the third and fourth transparent electrodes have a second pitch that differs from the first pitch. This localized variation in electrode spacing enables precise control over light distribution patterns and directions, achieving high manufacturing precision for light control while maintaining a systematic approach to electrode fabrication
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are used to emit light in different directions, then light distribution versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal optical element is designed with multiple electrode groups that can be independently controlled to perform multiple light control functions. By applying different voltages to different electrode groups, the same optical element can emit light in various directions and create different light distribution patterns, eliminating the need for multiple separate optical elements and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal optical element provides dynamic light control capability through independent voltage control of each electrode group. The refractive index distribution can be dynamically adjusted by changing the voltage applied to different electrode groups, enabling real-time switching between different light emission directions and patterns from a single optical element
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 device achieves versatile control over light distribution and pattern by utilizing the alternating electrode configurations to emit light in different directions, enhancing brightness and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid crystal lens is known as an optical element (liquid crystal optical element) using a liquid crystal that supplies a voltage to the liquid crystal, changes the refractive index of the liquid crystal, and electrically controls the focal length
Implementation Method 2
The first electrode group has a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode arranged alternately with the first transparent electrode. The second electrode group has a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode arranged alternately with the third transparent electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device includes a light source having a first optical element and a second optical element emitting directional light, and one liquid crystal optical element transmitting or diffusing the light emitted from the light source. The first and the second optical elements include a first and a second light exit surfaces, and the first and the second light exit surfaces are arranged to direct in different directions. The liquid crystal optical element has a second electrode group arranged adjacent to a first electrode group. The first electrode group has a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode. The second electrode group has a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode. A pitch at which the first transparent electrodes and the second transparent electrodes are alternately arranged is different from a pitch at which the third transparent electrodes and the fourth transparent electrodes are alternately arranged.