Voltage-Controlled Louver and PDLC Light Ray Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices struggle to efficiently switch between wide and narrow viewing angles without compromising light utilization efficiency or generating excessive heat, and cannot independently control light absorption and scattering elements to achieve desired viewing angles.
Innovation Solution
A light ray direction controlling device with a substrate featuring louver elements and polymer dispersed liquid crystal parts that can switch between transparent and light absorption states, and light scattering states respectively, allowing for independent control of light absorption and scattering to achieve standard, wide, and narrow viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a louver with fixed viewing angle is used to control light direction, then narrow viewing angle mode is achieved for information security, but light utilization efficiency deteriorates and heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the louver elements switchable between different states (transparent and light-absorbing) through voltage control. This allows the viewing angle to be dynamically adjusted between narrow and wide modes, resolving the contradiction between information security (narrow angle) and light utilization efficiency (wide angle) by enabling on-demand switching based on usage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the louver elements by applying voltage to switch between transparent and light-absorbing states. This parameter change enables the same structure to achieve different viewing angles and light transmission characteristics, simultaneously addressing information security requirements and maintaining light utilization efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spread angle of light from backlight is increased to achieve wider viewing angle, then wide viewing angle mode is achieved, but light absorption by louver increases causing lower light utilization efficiency and more heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to make the louver elements voltage-controllable, allowing the system to adapt the viewing angle range as needed. When wide viewing angle is required, the louver becomes transparent to allow broader light spread; when information security is prioritized, the louver absorbs light to narrow the viewing angle, thereby controlling heat generation dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical transmission parameter of the louver elements through voltage application, enabling the same structure to accommodate both narrow and wide viewing angle requirements without physical modification, while managing light absorption and heat generation through electrical control.
3Loss of information
If viewing angle controlling film is used to absorb light toward diagonal direction, then information leak risk is reduced, but viewing angle becomes constantly narrow requiring physical removal for wide angle tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static viewing angle controlling film with voltage-controllable louver elements. This enables dynamic switching between narrow viewing angle mode (for information security) and wide viewing angle mode (for collaborative viewing), eliminating the need for physical removal and providing adaptability through electrical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing the louver elements to perform multiple roles: they can control light direction for information security, enable wide viewing angles for collaborative use, and be electrically switched between states. This universal design eliminates the need for separate films for different viewing angle requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If louver and light scattering element are stacked to achieve wide viewing angle mode, then viewing angle is increased, but light utilization efficiency worsens and luminance differs between modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light scattering function from a separate element and integrates it into the louver structure itself. By making the louver elements voltage-controllable, they can inherently scatter light in wide viewing angle mode without requiring additional scattering elements, thereby improving light utilization efficiency while maintaining viewing angle adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light scattering function with the light direction control function in a single voltage-controllable louver element. This integration eliminates the need for separate scattering elements that would reduce light utilization efficiency, while maintaining the ability to switch between narrow and wide viewing angles through voltage control.
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 display devices to maintain high light utilization efficiency while switching between viewing angles, preventing information leakage in narrow mode and accommodating multiple viewers in wide mode without heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
the louver elements each extending along the primary surface of the substrate and switching between a transparent state and a light absorption state in accordance with an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
the polymer dispersed liquid crystal parts each including a solid polymer resin part and liquid crystal drops dispersed in the solid polymer resin part, the polymer dispersed liquid crystal parts each changing a degree of scattering of exiting light by changing a degree of scattering of incident light in accordance with an applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A light ray direction controlling device includes: a plurality of louver elements switching between a transparent state and a light absorption state in accordance with an applied voltage, and a plurality of polymer dispersed liquid crystal parts arranged along the primary surface of the substrate between the plurality of louver elements, respectively. The polymer dispersed liquid crystal parts each includes a solid polymer resin part and liquid crystal drops dispersed in the solid polymer resin part. The polymer dispersed liquid crystal parts each changes a degree of scattering of exiting light by changing a degree of scattering of incident light in accordance with an applied voltage.