Stacked Liquid Crystal Optical Element for Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal lenses suffer from issues such as uneven brightness, coloring, and moiré patterns, leading to deteriorated light distribution characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An optical element comprising at least four liquid crystal cells stacked in sequence, each with specific transparent electrode configurations and alignment properties, allowing for uniform light distribution without the need for polarizing plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional liquid crystal lens is used to distribute light, then light distribution control is achieved, but uneven brightness, coloring, and moiré patterns occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid crystal structure into multiple cells (at least four liquid crystal cells stacked in sequence) with specific electrode arrangements. Each cell contains transparent electrodes (first transparent electrode, second transparent electrode, third transparent electrode, fourth transparent electrode) arranged in alternating patterns on first and second substrates. This segmentation into multiple controlled cells eliminates the harmful effects of conventional single-cell designs while maintaining light distribution control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different electrode configurations in different regions of the liquid crystal cells. The transparent electrodes are arranged with specific orientations (first direction and second direction orthogonal to the first direction) and alternating patterns, creating local variations in refractive index that collectively achieve uniform light distribution without the harmful effects of conventional uniform designs.
2Illumination intensity
If liquid crystal cells with orthogonal electrode arrangements are stacked, then light distribution control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode arrangements where the first transparent electrode and second transparent electrode extend in a first direction, while the third transparent electrode and fourth transparent electrode extend in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. This asymmetric, multi-directional electrode configuration enables superior light distribution control that cannot be achieved with simpler symmetric arrangements, justifying the increased device complexity.
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 optical element achieves uniform light distribution with controlled diffusion and suppressed coloring, enhancing the overall light distribution characteristics.
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
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes at least four liquid crystal cells stacked in sequence. Each of the at least four liquid crystal cells includes a first substrate on which a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode each extending in a first direction are alternately arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a second substrate on which a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode each extending in the second direction are alternately arranged in the first direction, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate.