Segmented Polymer Network Liquid Crystal Dimming Layer for Anti-Peeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies fail to effectively implement an anti-peeping function that ensures content visibility only at a front viewing angle while maintaining consistent privacy protection across different positions.
Innovation Solution
A dimming device with a dimming layer comprising alternating first and second areas of polymer network liquid crystals, inclined relative to the normal line of a polarizer, and a second polarizer with a parallel light transmission axis, which adjusts light phases to intercept deviating light and ensure normal display at the front viewing angle while improving anti-peeping effects at various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-domain liquid crystal dimming layer is used, then the device structure is simple, but the anti-peeping effect has large position differences and cannot ensure consistent privacy protection across different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The dimming layer is segmented into multiple domains (first domain and second domain) with different liquid crystal molecule orientations. The first domain has molecules oriented at a first inclination angle while the second domain has molecules oriented at a second inclination angle, creating distinct regions that collectively improve anti-peeping consistency across different viewing positions
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the dimming layer are given different local properties through varying liquid crystal molecule orientations. Each domain is optimized for specific viewing angles, with the first domain addressing certain angular ranges and the second domain addressing complementary angular ranges, ensuring consistent privacy protection across the entire display surface
2Ease of manufacture
If the liquid crystal molecules are oriented at a single angle, then the alignment process is simple, but the phase adjustment effect is insufficient for light deviating at different angles
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment process is segmented into multiple stages or regions, with different alignment layers or treatment methods applied to create distinct molecular orientation domains. This allows systematic control of liquid crystal orientations while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized processes for each domain
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle parameter of liquid crystal molecules is varied across different domains to optimize phase adjustment for different viewing angles. By changing this key parameter spatially, the system achieves comprehensive light control effectiveness without requiring completely different alignment methodologies
3Ease of manufacture
If no polymer network structure is used, then the liquid crystal alignment is easy to achieve, but the stability of molecule orientation and anti-peeping effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a composite structure combining polymer network material with liquid crystal molecules. The polymer network serves as a structural framework that anchors and stabilizes the liquid crystal orientations, while the liquid crystal provides the optical functionality. This composite approach maintains alignment stability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer network is formed in advance to create a pre-established alignment framework before final liquid crystal orientation is set. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that subsequent liquid crystal molecules align properly and maintain stable orientations, reducing the need for complex real-time alignment control
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 ensures consistent anti-peeping effects across different positions by adjusting light phases and intercepting light that deviates from the normal viewing direction, maintaining normal display at the front viewing angle and enhancing privacy protection.
Implementation Method 1
the dimming layer adjusts phase of the light whose propagation direction deviates from the normal lines direction of the first polarizer and the second polarizer
Implementation Method 2
a first polymer network liquid crystal, located in the first area of the dimming layer and comprising a first polymer network arranged along a second direction and liquid crystal molecules distributed in the first polymer network
Implementation Method 3
a first polarizer, located on a light-emitting side of the display panel; a second polarizer, locating on a side of the dimming layer away from the first polarizer
Data Source
AI summary
A display device and a dimming device are provided. A dimming layer is located between a first polarizer and a second polarizer whose transmission axes are parallel to each other. When the display device is in a first display mode, long axes of the liquid crystal molecules distributed in the first polymer network are arranged along the second direction, and long axis of the liquid crystal molecules distributed in the second polymer network are arranged along the third direction. The third direction and the second direction respectively point to opposite sides of a normal line of the first polarizer.