Stacked Liquid Crystal Optical Element with Single-Input Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical elements with multiple liquid crystal cells require complex wiring and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple signal inputs, complicating the mounting process.
Innovation Solution
An optical element design that allows simultaneous driving of multiple liquid crystal cells using a single signal input through inter-cell conductive electrodes, reducing the number of terminals and simplifying the wiring connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate signal inputs are used for multiple liquid crystal cells, then each cell can be independently controlled, but the wiring becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal inputs into a single input terminal that can simultaneously drive multiple liquid crystal cells. The conductive electrode structure is designed to electrically connect to multiple connection pads across different liquid crystal cells through the substrate, allowing one signal input to control multiple cells independently without requiring separate wiring for each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The single input terminal serves multiple functions by being able to simultaneously apply voltage to multiple liquid crystal cells through the conductive electrode network. This universal terminal replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate terminals and wiring connections, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining independent control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate signal inputs are used for multiple liquid crystal cells, then each cell can be independently controlled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal inputs into a single input terminal that can simultaneously drive multiple liquid crystal cells. The conductive electrode structure is designed to electrically connect to multiple connection pads across different liquid crystal cells through the substrate, allowing one signal input to control multiple cells independently without requiring separate wiring for each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple separate signal input terminals and their associated wiring by integrating a single terminal that can access multiple liquid crystal cells through the conductive electrode network, thereby reducing manufacturing steps and costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate signal inputs are used for multiple liquid crystal cells, then each cell can be independently controlled, but the mounting process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal inputs into a single input terminal that can simultaneously drive multiple liquid crystal cells. The conductive electrode structure is designed to electrically connect to multiple connection pads across different liquid crystal cells through the substrate, allowing one signal input to control multiple cells independently without requiring separate wiring for each cell.
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
Simplifies the control of light distribution and reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by enabling simultaneous voltage application to multiple liquid crystal cells, improving manufacturing yield and ease of assembly.
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 two stacked liquid crystal cells. Each of at least two liquid crystal cells includes a first substrate on which first and second connection pads are electrically connected to first and second electrodes, respectively, and a second substrate on which third and fourth connection pads are electrically connected to third and fourth electrodes, respectively. The first connection pads between at least two liquid crystal cells, the second connection pads between at least two liquid crystal cells, the third connection pads between at least two liquid crystal cells, and the fourth connection pads between at least two liquid crystal cells are electrically connected to each other via inter-cell conductive electrodes.