Infrared-Recycling Optical Stack for Liquid Crystal Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices that control light transmission face challenges in maintaining liquid crystal materials within an operating temperature range in extreme environments, necessitating additional heating devices for energy-saving applications.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a reflective polarizing element, an infrared light reflective element, a quarter wave plate, and a light modulation element, allowing for the recycling of infrared light without additional heating, thus maintaining the liquid crystal material within an operating temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If additional heating devices are added to maintain liquid crystal material within operating temperature range in high latitude or low temperature environments, then the material can be maintained within suitable operating temperature range, but energy saving effects are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the liquid crystal material to heat itself through the recycling of infrared light within the device structure. The infrared light reflective element reflects infrared light back through the light modulation element, providing self-heating without external heating devices, thus maintaining operating temperature while preserving energy saving effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers infrared light that would otherwise be lost or absorbed by reflecting it back through the light modulation element using the infrared light reflective element. This recovery of infrared light enables continuous heating of the liquid crystal material without requiring additional energy input from external heating devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light transmission control materials are used in high latitude or low temperature environments, then light transmission control function can be achieved, but additional heating devices are required to maintain operating temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light modulation element serve multiple functions: it both controls light transmission and generates heat through infrared light recycling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to various environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light transmission control function and heating function into a single integrated system. The light modulation element and infrared light reflective element work together to simultaneously achieve light control and self-heating, eliminating the need for separate heating devices and reducing overall device complexity.
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 enables energy-efficient operation by continuously heating the liquid crystal material, eliminating the need for additional heating devices and enhancing energy-saving capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a quarter wave plate disposed between the reflective polarizing element and the infrared light reflective element
Implementation Method 2
an infrared light reflective element disposed opposite to the reflective polarizing element
Implementation Method 3
allowing for the recycling of infrared light without additional heating
Implementation Method 4
a light modulation element disposed between the quarter wave plate and the infrared light reflective element
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a reflective polarizing element; an infrared light reflective element disposed opposite to the reflective polarizing element; a quarter wave plate disposed between the reflective polarizing element and the infrared light reflective element; and a light modulation element disposed between the quarter wave plate and the infrared light reflective element.