Microshutter Electrode Display Device Light Transmission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat panel displays, such as LCDs and PDPs, face issues with low response speed, high power consumption, and low luminance due to the inefficiency of light usage, with CRTs being bulky and heavy as they increase in size.
Innovation Solution
A display device utilizing microshutter electrodes that open and close vertically, supported by fixed electrodes, to control light transmission, eliminating the need for polarizers and enhancing luminance by adjusting light amounts through electrostatic forces, and a manufacturing method involving polymer and metal deposition processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LCDs use polarizers to control light transmission, then the display structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but approximately 50% of light is wasted resulting in low luminance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the polarizers from the display structure entirely. Instead of using polarizers to control light transmission, the invention uses microshutter electrodes that can open and close to directly block or transmit light from the backlight unit, eliminating the 50% light loss associated with polarizer-based LCDs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical mechanism of polarizers with an electrostatic mechanism. Microshutter electrodes are driven by electrostatic forces between the microshutter electrode and fixed electrode to open or close, controlling light transmission through mechanical movement rather than optical polarization
2Illumination intensity
If microshutter electrodes are opened and closed in a vertical direction, then luminance is improved and light transmission efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases due to additional electrode structures
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as an electrode for driving the microshutter electrode through electrostatic forces, and simultaneously serves as a support structure for the substrates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components despite the improved luminance performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from in-plane electrode arrangements to vertical stacking of electrodes (microshutter electrode and fixed electrode positioned facing each other in the vertical direction). This vertical arrangement enables effective electrostatic actuation while maintaining a compact form factor
3Loss of energy
If two microshutter electrodes are symmetrically formed in one pixel with curved shape, then light blocking efficiency is improved when closed, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the shape parameter of the microshutter electrodes from straight edges to curved shapes. The curved configuration allows the two microshutter electrodes to overlap more effectively when closed, improving light blocking efficiency. The curvature radius is specifically designed to balance optical performance with manufacturability
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 display device achieves improved luminance and reduced bulkiness by effectively managing light transmission without polarizers, offering efficient grayscale and white displays while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
microshutter electrodes and fixed electrodes are used, and the microshutter electrodes are opened and closed in a vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
The fixed electrodes may support the upper substrate and the lower substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes an upper substrate and a lower substrate. Black matrixes are formed upon the upper substrate and color filters are formed between the black matrixes. Microshutter electrodes are formed upon the lower substrate and are configured to open and close. The display device also includes fixed electrodes formed in a vertical direction between the upper substrate and the lower substrate.