Liquid Crystal Shutter Polarizer Configuration for 3D Eyeglasses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional eyeglasses with liquid crystal shutters face issues of insufficient contrast between open and closed states due to light penetration, leading to crosstalk and increased weight from multiple liquid crystal layers.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal shutter system with multiple layers and polarizers, where the polarization axes of adjacent polarizers are crossed at 90 degrees, and the substrate material between layers is thinner than on the surface, allowing for alternation of voltage application to control the open and shut timing of each layer to reduce light transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple liquid crystal layers are used to reduce light transmittance in the closed shutter state, then the light blocking performance is improved, but the weight of the eyeglasses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization degree parameter of polarizers from the conventional uniform design to a non-uniform distribution where the accumulated polarization degree in the first direction equals that in the second direction. This parameter optimization enables sufficient light blocking with fewer layers, reducing weight while maintaining performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining multiple liquid crystal layers with specifically configured polarizers having different polarization degrees. This composite approach achieves superior light blocking performance compared to using only thicker liquid crystal layers, thereby reducing overall weight
2Device complexity
If conventional polarizer configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the contrast between open and closed shutter states is insufficient due to light penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the polarization degree parameter of each polarizer to achieve balanced light blocking in both horizontal and vertical directions. This parameter tuning enables the system to achieve high contrast (effectively blocking light in closed state while maintaining transmission in open state) without requiring overly complex polarizer arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different polarization degrees to different polarizers based on their specific positions and functions in the optical path. The polarizers between liquid crystal layers have different polarization degree requirements compared to those on the surface, allowing optimized local performance that collectively achieves high overall contrast
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform substrate thickness is used for all polarizers, then manufacturing is simpler, but the overall weight and optical performance cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the substrate material of polarizers positioned between liquid crystal layers should be thinner than those on the surface. This local thickness optimization reduces overall weight while maintaining structural integrity and optical performance, as the intermediate polarizers require less mechanical support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the substrate thickness parameter from uniform to variable based on position. By making intermediate polarizer substrates thinner, the overall weight is reduced while the optical function is preserved through the optimized polarization degree configuration
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 configuration significantly reduces light transmittance in the closed state, enhancing contrast and minimizing crosstalk, while also making the eyeglasses lighter by optimizing the substrate thickness and polarization degrees.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of polarizers attached to each of the plurality of liquid crystal layers, polarization axes of 2 adjacent polarizers that have a liquid crystal layer therebetween being crossed at an angle of 90°
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of liquid crystal layers arranged in a light-incident direction
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal shutter includes a plurality of liquid crystal layers arranged in a light-incident direction; and a plurality of polarizers attached to each of the plurality of liquid crystal layers, polarization axes of 2 adjacent polarizers that have a liquid crystal layer therebetween being crossed at an angle of 90°, the accumulated value of degrees of polarization of polarizers that have polarization axes in a first direction being identical to that of degrees of polarizations of polarizers that have polarization axes in a second direction that crosses the first direction at an angle of 90°.