Stacked Liquid Crystal Optical Element for Versatile Light Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices using liquid crystal lenses are limited in their ability to control light distribution patterns beyond concentric circular shapes, and require complex electrode patterns that hinder mass productivity.

Innovation Solution

An optical element comprising two stacked liquid crystal cells with specific transparent electrode arrangements on their substrates, allowing for control of light distribution patterns by adjusting the potentials applied to the electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex electrode patterns are used to control light distribution patterns, then the ability to control light distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and mass productivity is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution control capabilityVSAvoidelectrode pattern complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid crystal cell is divided into multiple regions with different electrode patterns (first electrode pattern and second electrode pattern) that are orthogonal to each other. Each region can be independently controlled to generate different light distribution patterns, allowing versatile light control without requiring complex single patterns throughout the entire cell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension by alternating between first and second electrode patterns in different time periods. This allows the system to achieve multiple light distribution patterns (concentric circular, radial, cross-shaped) by switching patterns over time, effectively increasing adaptability without increasing spatial complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional liquid crystal lens structures are used, then basic light focusing is achieved, but light distribution pattern diversity is limited to concentric circular shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution pattern diversityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic switching between different electrode patterns (first and second patterns) based on time periods. This dynamic control enables the system to transition between different light distribution patterns (concentric circular, radial, cross-shaped) by changing the electrode configuration over time, achieving pattern diversity without permanent complex structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If polarizing plates are added to achieve flexible light distribution control, then light distribution versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution control flexibilityVSAvoidoptical component quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical approach of using polarizing plates with an electrical field-based approach using liquid crystal molecules. By applying electric fields through specific electrode patterns, the liquid crystal molecules reorient to control light distribution, achieving the same flexibility without additional optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls light distribution by changing the electrical parameters (voltage applied to electrodes) and the resulting molecular orientation parameters of the liquid crystal. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves flexible light distribution control without requiring physical components like polarizing plates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible control of light distribution patterns, including spreading in the x-axis, y-axis, or a cross shape, without the need for polarizing plates, thus improving the versatility and productivity of lighting devices.

Implementation Method 1

An optical element which is a so-called liquid crystal lens has been conventionally known in which a change in the refractive index of a liquid crystal is utilized by adjusting a voltage applied to the liquid crystal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal refractive index change: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentUS20250027631A1Optical element and lighting device

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 JAPAN DISPLAY INC

AI summary

An optical element includes a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell. The first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are stacked. Each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell includes a first substrate on which a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode are alternately and repeatedly arranged in a first direction, a second substrate on which a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode are alternately and repeatedly arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second substrate of the first liquid crystal cell and the first substrate of the second liquid crystal cell are adjacent to each other.