PDLC Display Lateral Light Source Black Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) displays face issues with low optical efficiency due to the requirement of a backlight unit, high driving voltage, and thickness, as well as manufacturing costs and complexity related to the use of polarized plates and orientation films.
Innovation Solution
A PDLC display design featuring a thin film transistor (TFT) and electrodes on a rear substrate, a PDLC layer formed below a black matrix between substrates, and a self-illuminating light source replacing the traditional backlight unit, with a reflection plate to enhance light efficiency, allowing for improved luminance and reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a backlight unit is used in conventional PDLC displays, then sufficient luminance can be achieved, but optical efficiency is reduced and device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the traditional backlight unit from the display structure. Instead of using a separate backlight module, the invention integrates a light-emitting layer directly onto the substrate, eliminating the need for complex backlight components and reducing overall device thickness while improving optical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light source function with the substrate structure by forming a light-emitting layer directly on the substrate. This integration combines multiple functions (substrate support and light emission) into a single component, reducing device complexity and improving optical efficiency by eliminating light loss at multiple interfaces
2Reliability
If polarized plates and orientation films are used in conventional LCDs, then proper light control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes polarized plates and orientation films from the display structure. By using a PDLC layer that controls light through liquid crystal droplet orientation rather than polarized light, the invention eliminates these complex components and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable light control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light control mechanism from polarized light manipulation to refractive index-based scattering control. By utilizing the refractive index difference between liquid crystal droplets and the surrounding medium, the system achieves light control without requiring polarized plates or orientation films
3Illumination intensity
If a traditional backlight unit is used, then sufficient light can be provided, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the traditional backlight unit, which is a costly and complex component. By integrating a simple light-emitting layer directly on the substrate, the invention significantly reduces manufacturing cost and device complexity while still providing sufficient illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, complex backlight unit with a simple, inexpensive light-emitting layer structure. This substitution uses basic materials and a simplified structure that is much cheaper to manufacture while achieving the same light provision function
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 enhances optical efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies the production process by eliminating the need for polarized plates and orientation films, while maintaining high transmittance and viewing angle characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
In an off state (that is, when a voltage is not applied), incident light is all scattered because of the difference in the refractive index between the micro liquid crystal droplets 12 and the polymer matrix 11
Implementation Method 2
a first reflection plate formed on the other side of the PDLC layer and configured to reflect light incident via the PDLC layer
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display not using a backlight unit and a method of fabricating the same. The PDLC display comprises a rear substrate over which a thin film transistor (TFT), a first electrode, and a second electrode are formed, a front substrate apart from the rear substrate and having a first black matrix formed thereon corresponding to a region where the TFT is formed, a PDLC layer disposed below the first black matrix and formed between the front and rear substrates, a light source formed on one side of the PDLC layer and configured to provide light to the side of the PDLC layer, and a first reflection plate formed on the other side of the PDLC layer and configured to reflect light incident via the PDLC layer.