Switchable Liquid Crystal Display Device Viewing Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switchable liquid crystal display devices require multiple substrates and polarizing plates, leading to increased thickness, complexity, and fabrication costs, while also failing to efficiently switch between wide and narrow viewing angles without compromising image quality.
Innovation Solution
A switchable liquid crystal display device utilizing a liquid crystal capsule with optical isotropy, where the liquid crystal molecules are vertically aligned for narrow viewing angles and randomly aligned for wide viewing angles, controlled by electrical potential, reducing the need for multiple substrates and polarizing plates through a simplified fabrication process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple substrates and polarizing plates are used to achieve viewing angle switching, then the viewing angle control capability is improved, but the device thickness and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple substrates and polarizing plates into a single integrated liquid crystal capsule structure. The liquid crystal capsule contains both the liquid crystal layer and the polarizing plate, merging functions that were previously separated into multiple components. This integration reduces the overall number of discrete parts while maintaining the viewing angle switching capability through the electrically controlled birefringence mechanism within the capsule.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal capsule serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the liquid crystal layer for voltage-controlled alignment, provides polarizing functionality through the integrated polarizing plate, and serves as a structural substrate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate substrates and polarizing plates, reducing device complexity while preserving viewing angle control adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple substrates and polarizing plates are used to achieve viewing angle switching, then the viewing angle control capability is improved, but the fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the liquid crystal layer and polarizing plate into a single capsule structure, the patent reduces the number of separate fabrication steps and assembly operations required. Instead of manufacturing, aligning, and assembling multiple separate substrates and polarizing plates, the integrated capsule can be processed as a single unit, significantly reducing fabrication complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the polarizing plate function from the traditional multi-layer LCD structure and incorporates it directly into the liquid crystal capsule. This extraction and integration eliminates the need for separate polarizing plate manufacturing and assembly steps, reducing both fabrication cost and process complexity while maintaining the viewing angle switching functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid crystal molecules are vertically aligned for narrow viewing angle mode, then the privacy protection is improved, but the viewing angle range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic liquid crystal alignment mechanism that can switch between vertical alignment (for narrow viewing angle/privacy mode) and horizontal alignment (for wide viewing angle mode) based on applied voltage. The liquid crystal molecules reorient their alignment direction in response to electrical fields, enabling the display to adapt its viewing angle characteristics dynamically rather than being fixed in one state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the alignment parameter of the liquid crystal molecules from vertical to horizontal orientation through voltage control. This parameter change fundamentally alters the optical properties of the display, switching between privacy-protecting narrow viewing angle mode and privacy-transparent wide viewing angle mode, thereby allowing flexible adaptation to different usage scenarios.
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 achieves a lightweight and thin profile with reduced fabrication costs and improved viewing angle switching capabilities, ensuring clear image display while maintaining privacy by controlling light transmission based on the alignment of liquid crystal molecules.
Implementation Method 1
a viewing angle adjusting panel 120 having a liquid crystal capsule 150 with optical isotropy
Implementation Method 2
The LCD device displays an image using a transmittance difference due to a change in an alignment direction of a liquid crystal molecule by an electric field in the liquid crystal panel
Implementation Method 3
an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) property where a transmittance changes according to an angle between a long axis of a liquid crystal molecule and a transmission axis of a polarizing plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a switchable liquid crystal display device having a light weight and a thin profile where a viewing angle adjusting panel is formed by using a liquid crystal capsule having an optical isotropy and a number of substrates and polarizing plates.