Stacked Liquid Crystal Panels for Precise Light Irradiation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices using liquid crystal lenses struggle to achieve precise control over the irradiation area and distance of light emission, limiting their flexibility and effectiveness in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device design incorporating multiple liquid crystal panels with strategically arranged electrodes and varying spacings, orientations, and electrode configurations to generate orthogonal electric fields, enabling precise control over light distribution and diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single liquid crystal panel is used to control light distribution, then the device structure remains simple, but the precision and flexibility of irradiation area control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light control function into multiple liquid crystal panels (first and second panels) stacked in sequence. Each panel independently controls light distribution in different dimensions, achieving precise irradiation area control through segmented functional division rather than relying on a single complex panel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If uniform electrode spacing is used in liquid crystal panels, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the light diffusion control becomes less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements non-uniform electrode spacing where different regions of the liquid crystal panel have different electrode pitch values. This allows localized control of light diffusion characteristics, enabling flexible adaptation to various lighting requirements while maintaining manufacturability through standardized electrode structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If orthogonal electrode arrangements are used in stacked panels, then light distribution control in multiple dimensions is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention stacks liquid crystal panels in the vertical dimension with orthogonal electrode arrangements in each panel. This multi-dimensional configuration enables independent control of light distribution along different axes, achieving versatile irradiation patterns while maintaining relatively simple individual panel structures.
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 allows for enhanced control over light irradiation area and distance, providing improved flexibility and effectiveness in controlling light distribution patterns.
Implementation Method 1
the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is controlled by the electric field between the electrodes, allowing the liquid crystal panel to function as a lens, thereby controlling the light distribution
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a lighting device including a light source, a first liquid crystal panel over the light source, and a second liquid crystal panel over the first liquid crystal panel. Each of the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel includes: a substrate; a plurality of lower electrodes arranged over the substrate in a stripe shape; a first orientation film over the plurality of lower electrodes; a liquid crystal layer over the first orientation film; a second orientation film arranged over the liquid crystal layer and having an orientation direction orthogonal to that of the first orientation film; a plurality of upper electrodes arranged over the second orientation film, orthogonal to the plurality of lower electrodes, and arranged in a stripe shape; and a counter substrate over the plurality of upper electrodes.