Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Film Regional Haze Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light control films cannot switch between transparent and scattering states selectively in predetermined regions, limiting their design flexibility and applications.
Innovation Solution
A polymer dispersed liquid crystal film with distinct regions that differ in haze change when voltage is applied, featuring liquid crystal droplets with non-polymerizable and polymerizable compounds, where the polymerizable compound is polymerized in a predetermined pattern to control light scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film uses liquid crystal droplets dispersed in a polymer matrix to switch between scattering and non-scattering states, then light control function is achieved, but the switching cannot be performed only in a predetermined region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different regions within the PDLC film with distinct properties. The first region contains liquid crystal droplets with non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound and liquid crystal polymer, while the second region contains liquid crystal droplets with non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound and polymerizable liquid crystal compound. This spatial differentiation enables independent control of light scattering behavior in different regions, allowing the film to exhibit both uniform appearance and patterned light control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the PDLC film into multiple functional regions: a first region with specific liquid crystal composition for maintaining scattering state, and a second region with different liquid crystal composition for voltage-controlled scattering. This segmentation allows each region to respond differently to voltage application, enabling selective light control in predetermined areas while maintaining overall film functionality.
2Reliability
If the entire surface of the film switches between transparent and scattering states, then uniform light control is achieved, but design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by establishing regions with different liquid crystal compositions that respond differently to voltage. The first region maintains scattering state for uniform appearance, while the second region enables controlled scattering for patterned designs. This allows the film to simultaneously achieve uniform appearance in certain areas and design flexibility in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the liquid crystal droplet composition across different regions. The first region has asymmetric composition (non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound + liquid crystal polymer) compared to the second region (non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound + polymerizable liquid crystal compound). This compositional asymmetry creates different optical responses, enabling both uniform appearance and patterned light control.
3Ease of operation
If liquid crystal droplets with polymerizable liquid crystal compound are used throughout the film, then voltage-controlled scattering is achieved, but uniform appearance cannot be maintained in all regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by restricting the use of polymerizable liquid crystal compound to specific regions (second region) while using non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound combined with liquid crystal polymer in other regions (first region). This spatial differentiation ensures that voltage-controlled scattering occurs only where needed, while maintaining uniform appearance in regions with different composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the film into regions with different liquid crystal compositions. The first region uses non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound and liquid crystal polymer to maintain scattering state and uniform appearance, while the second region uses non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound and polymerizable liquid crystal compound for voltage-controlled scattering. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between voltage control and uniform appearance.
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
Enables a light control film that can exhibit specific patterns or uniform appearances based on voltage application, providing enhanced design flexibility and uniformity in appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid crystal droplets serve as scattering particles by virtue of, for example, a difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal compound in each of the liquid crystal droplets and the polymer matrix, and can thus cause light scattering.
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer with an active energy ray in a predetermined pattern under a state in which a voltage is applied between the first transparent conductive film and the second transparent conductive film, to thereby form a first region including liquid crystal droplets each including a liquid crystal polymer, which is a polymerized product of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a PDLC film in which a transparent state and a scattering state can be switched only in a predetermined region. The PDLC includes in this order: a first transparent conductive film; PDLC layer including a polymer matrix and liquid crystal droplets dispersed in the polymer matrix; and a second transparent conductive film. The PDLC layer includes a first region and a second region that differ from each other in amount of change in haze caused by application of a voltage in plan view, the amount of change in haze of the first region caused by application of a voltage is smaller than the amount of change in haze of the second region caused by application of the voltage, and the liquid crystal droplets in the first region each include a non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a liquid crystal polymer.