Optical Path Control Member With Integrated Partition-Wall Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical path control members are thick and complex in structure due to multiple layers, including a lower and upper electrode, which complicates manufacturing and increases thickness.
Innovation Solution
An optical path control member with a first substrate, a light conversion unit, and a second electrode, featuring a partition wall part with a conductive material that alternates with a receiving part, eliminating the need for a lower electrode and allowing for a slim design by using the partition wall part as both a partition and electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple layers including lower and upper electrodes are used to control light conversion particles, then light path control function is achieved, but device thickness increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall structure is integrated with the upper electrode function, combining two previously separate components (partition wall and electrode) into a single integrated structure. This merging eliminates the need for a separate lower electrode while maintaining both partitioning and electrical control functions, thereby reducing overall device thickness and layer count.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall part is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a physical partition to separate light conversion particles and as an electrode (first electrode) to apply electric fields for controlling particle movement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of required components and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If multiple layers including buffer layers and receiving parts are added to improve particle adhesion and control, then light path control performance is enhanced, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer function is integrated into the partition wall structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate buffer layer. The partition wall is designed to provide both mechanical support and electrical functionality, combining multiple previously separate layers into one integrated component that simplifies manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower electrode component is extracted/removed from the device structure entirely. Its functional role is transferred to the partition wall structure, which serves as the first electrode. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of layers that need to be deposited and aligned.
3Illumination intensity
If partition wall part width is reduced to improve light transmittance, then optical performance is enhanced, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is constructed using a composite structure combining an insulating base material with a conductive material layer. This composite design allows the partition wall to maintain mechanical strength and structural stability even with reduced width, while the conductive layer provides the necessary electrical functionality for electrode operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the partition wall have different properties: the insulating material provides structural support and electrical isolation, while the conductive material layer (applied to specific regions) provides electrode functionality. This local differentiation allows optimized performance for both structural integrity and electrical 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
The simplified structure enables easy manufacturing, reduces thickness, improves driving characteristics, prevents moire phenomena, and maintains light transmittance control, enhancing user visibility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The light conversion unit is converted into a light transmitting unit and a light blocking unit by dispersion and aggregation of the light conversion particles
Implementation Method 2
when voltage is applied to the partition wall part, the light conversion particles disposed inside the receiving part move in a direction toward a side surface of the partition wall part
Data Source
AI summary
An optical path control member according to an embodiment includes a first substrate; a light conversion unit disposed on the first substrate; a second substrate disposed on the light conversion unit; and a second electrode disposed between the second substrate and the light conversion unit, wherein the light conversion unit includes a partition wall part and a receiving part which are alternately disposed, wherein the partition wall part includes a first electrode, wherein a light conversion material is disposed inside the receiving part, and wherein a width of the partition wall part is smaller than a width of the receiving part.