Nano Liquid Crystal Lens Panel for Switchable 2D-3D Display
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switchable display devices face challenges in reducing thickness and fabrication cost, while maintaining image switchability between 2D and 3D modes, due to the use of liquid crystal layers that sag and result in non-uniform cell gaps.
Innovation Solution
A switchable display device utilizing a nano liquid crystal layer with polymer nano capsules, where the liquid crystal molecules are aligned within the capsules to form a film-type lens panel, reducing sagging and improving switchability by using a binder polymer to form a uniform film structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid crystal layer is used in existing switchable display devices, then image switchability between 2D and 3D modes is achieved, but the device thickness increases and fabrication cost increases due to sagging and non-uniform cell gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional liquid crystal layer with a nano liquid crystal layer formed on a flexible substrate. The nano liquid crystal particles are dispersed in a binder polymer to form a thin film structure that maintains flexibility while eliminating the sagging issue of conventional liquid crystal layers, thereby reducing device thickness while preserving image switchability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and structural parameters of the liquid crystal material from a continuous liquid crystal layer to dispersed nano liquid crystal particles. This parameter change allows the material to maintain its optical properties for image switching while forming a thin, uniform film structure that prevents sagging and reduces overall device thickness
2Reliability
If a liquid crystal layer is used in existing switchable display devices, then image switchability between 2D and 3D modes is achieved, but fabrication cost increases due to non-uniform cell gaps and sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible substrate with dispersed nano liquid crystal particles in a binder polymer to form a uniform thin film. This film structure eliminates the need for complex cell gap control mechanisms and prevents sagging, significantly simplifying the fabrication process and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining image switchability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining nano liquid crystal particles with a binder polymer matrix. This composite structure provides both the optical switching capability of liquid crystals and the manufacturing advantages of polymer-based materials, including uniform film formation, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, thereby reducing fabrication costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal layer is used in existing switchable display devices, then 2D and 3D image display is enabled, but the device structure becomes complex due to substrate requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid substrate structures with a flexible substrate that supports the nano liquid crystal layer. This flexible substrate approach simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating the need for complex rigid support structures while maintaining the adaptability to display both 2D and 3D images through the nano liquid crystal's optical switching properties
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 solution reduces fabrication costs and enhances the switchability between 2D and 3D images by maintaining a uniform cell gap and reducing the thickness of the display device, while ensuring efficient light refraction and transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer between a concave lens layer and a substrate selectively functions as a lens according to application of an electric field using an optical anisotropy of a liquid crystal molecule
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 60a has a birefringence property which shows an ordinary refractive index (no) or an extraordinary refractive index (ne) according to a direction of a light
Implementation Method 3
The lens panel 30 is disposed over the display panel 20 and selectively refracts or transmits a light emitted from the display panel 20
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable type display device includes: a display panel displaying an image; and a lens panel refracting or transmitting a light emitted from the display panel, the lens panel comprising: first and second substrates facing and spaced apart from each other; first and second electrodes on an inner surface of at least one of the first and second substrates; a lens layer between the first and second substrates; and a liquid crystal layer between the lens layer and one of the first and second substrates, the liquid crystal layer including a nano liquid crystal having a nano capsule filled with a plurality of liquid crystal molecules.