Polymer-Stabilized Liquid Crystal Light Switchable Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films require continuous voltage to maintain a transparent state, leading to high energy consumption, as they become opaque without voltage, making them inefficient for applications needing frequent light transmission.
Innovation Solution
A light switchable device using polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLC) with alignment structures on conductive layers, allowing the device to appear transparent without external voltage and hazy with voltage applied, reducing energy consumption by eliminating the need for continuous power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If PDLC film is used to achieve light switchability, then the film can transition between opaque and transparent states, but continuous voltage must be applied to maintain transparency, resulting in high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional PDLC operation mode by using PSLC film that is transparent in the default state (no voltage) and becomes opaque when voltage is applied. This reversal eliminates the need for continuous voltage to maintain transparency, allowing the film to naturally return to transparent state when power is removed, thus solving the energy consumption problem while maintaining light switchability functionality
2Illumination intensity
If PDLC film requires continuous voltage to maintain transparent state, then transparency can be maintained, but energy consumption increases for frequent light-through applications
Solution Approach 1:
The PSLC film exhibits self-service characteristics by automatically returning to its transparent state when voltage is removed, without requiring continuous power supply. The film's inherent properties allow it to maintain transparency in the absence of voltage, eliminating the need for external energy input to sustain the light-through state, thus reducing energy consumption for applications requiring frequent transparency
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 device efficiently switches between transparent and hazy states using PSLC with alignment structures, optimizing energy use and convenience for applications requiring frequent transparency, while being simple to design and produce.
Implementation Method 1
For PSLC structures, under an external voltage, liquid-crystal molecules will be parallel to the conductive layer, and they will become opaque. Without any voltage, liquid-crystal molecules are perpendicular to the conductive layer, and they become transparent.
Implementation Method 2
The light switchable layer comprises a plurality of alignment structures and polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLC), the plurality of alignment structures is disposed on the first conductive layer, or on the second conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A light switchable device is provided. The light switchable device includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer disposed opposite the first conductive layer, and a sealant layer disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The first conductive layer, the second conductive layer, and the sealant layer form a closed space. The light switchable device also includes a light switchable layer disposed in the closed space, wherein the light switchable layer includes a plurality of alignment structures and polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLC). The plurality of alignment structures is disposed on the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer, and the PSLC's are distributed between the plurality of alignment structures. A height of the plurality of alignment structures is less than a height of the sealant layer, and greater than or equal to 5% of the height of the sealant layer.