Liquid Crystal Element with Mold Layer for Low Power Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) elements require constant voltage application to maintain transparency, leading to high power consumption due to their initial scattering mode.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal element with a mold layer having convex and concave parts, where the resin layer is in contact with the convex part and the liquid crystal compound is in the concave part, inducing vertical alignment without external alignment power, using crosslinkable or polymerizable compounds to enhance adhesion and surface characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If PDLC is manufactured by dispersing liquid crystal in polymer matrix, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases due to constant voltage application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional PDLC operating mode by designing the liquid crystal alignment to be vertically oriented in the initial state (no voltage applied), making the cell normally transparent. Voltage application then switches it to scattering mode, reversing the traditional behavior where voltage maintains transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold layer with specific surface characteristics automatically induces vertical alignment of liquid crystal molecules without requiring external alignment layers or complex structures. The concave-convex structure self-organizes the liquid crystal orientation through capillary action and surface energy effects.
2Ease of manufacture
If liquid crystal compound is not aligned in PDLC, then manufacturing process is simplified, but transparency cannot be maintained without constant voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differences by forming a mold layer with distinct convex and concave regions. The concave parts host liquid crystal compounds while the convex parts provide structural support and contact with the resin layer, enabling localized alignment control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface energy parameters of the mold layer to induce vertical alignment. By controlling the surface characteristics (energy, roughness) of the mold layer, the liquid crystal molecules spontaneously orient perpendicular to the substrate without additional alignment treatments.
3Manufacturing precision
If mold layer with convex and concave parts is used, then liquid crystal alignment is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mold layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates the concave-convex pattern for liquid crystal confinement, induces vertical alignment through surface characteristics, and enhances adhesion to the resin layer through crosslinking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material strategy by combining crosslinkable compounds with specific surface energy characteristics in the mold layer. The crosslinked network structure provides mechanical stability while the surface properties control liquid crystal alignment, achieving both structural and functional requirements in one layer.
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
Enables the liquid crystal element to maintain a transparent mode initially and switch to a scattering mode with external action, reducing power consumption and achieving high contrast ratios with low driving voltage.
Implementation Method 1
the resin layer may have surface characteristics which may induce vertical alignment with respect to the liquid crystal compound
Implementation Method 2
the PDLC is opaque when a voltage is not applied, and such a state is called a scattering mode. When a voltage is applied to PDLC, the liquid crystal compound is arranged and thus becomes transparent
Implementation Method 3
the mold layer may include a crosslinkable or polymerizable compound
Implementation Method 4
the mold layer may include a crosslinkable or polymerizable compound in a crosslinked or polymerized state
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a liquid crystal element and a use of the liquid crystal element. The exemplary liquid crystal element of the present application is, for example, an element capable of realizing a normally transparent mode, having a high contrast ratio, and being driven with a low driving voltage. Such a liquid crystal element may be applied in a variety of light modulators including a smart window, a window protective film, a flexible display element, an active retarder for displaying a 3D image and a viewing angle controlling film.