Patterned Light Control Film with Absorbing Grooves for On-Axis Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light control films (LCFs) face challenges in maintaining desirable on-axis light transmission while ensuring that patterns or images are only visible from certain angles, as applying a pattern can interfere with light transmission and visibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of light control films with microreplicated grooves partially filled with light-absorbing materials and void regions, combined with selective application of liquid materials to create angle-dependent visibility of patterns or images, allowing for subtle patterns to be visible off-axis while maintaining high on-axis light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pattern is applied to the light control film, then the privacy and aesthetic properties are improved, but the on-axis light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the film. The grooves containing light-absorbing material provide privacy and aesthetic effects, while the ridges remain transparent to maintain on-axis light transmission. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring that patterned regions only affect off-axis light paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The film surface is segmented into alternating ridges and grooves. The grooves are filled with light-absorbing material to create the patterned appearance and privacy function, while the ridges maintain optical clarity. This segmentation allows the pattern to be visible only at certain angles without blocking on-axis light.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the viewing angle range is increased, then the visibility of patterns is improved, but the privacy protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes wavelength-selective light absorption where the light-absorbing material in the grooves absorbs specific wavelengths (e.g., blue light) while transmitting others. This creates angle-dependent color changes that enhance pattern visibility at oblique angles while maintaining privacy through wavelength-specific absorption characteristics.
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 enables angle-dependent visibility of patterns or images, enhancing privacy and hiding defects while maintaining desirable on-axis light transmission, making the films suitable for applications requiring controlled visibility and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
at least some of the first grooves are partially filled with a light absorbing first material (30) substantially absorbing light of a first predetermined wavelength range (40)
Implementation Method 2
The optical medium is substantially transparent at each wavelength in a predetermined wavelength range (40) extending from about 400 to about 600 nm
Data Source
AI summary
Light control films have a pattern applied to it. The light control film has a plurality of spaced apart first grooves in an optical medium. Each first groove has a closed bottom. Some of the first grooves are partially filled with a light absorbing first material that absorbs light of a predetermined wavelength range of from 400 to 2000 nm. The light absorbing first material defines an unfilled void region inside the first groove extending from a bottom surface of the light absorbing first material to the closed bottom of the first groove.