Transmittance-Variable Device with Asymmetric Retardation Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transmittance-variable devices using liquid crystal compounds often suffer from issues like crosstalk, rainbow, and mirroring phenomena due to polarization characteristics in various environments, limiting their application in wearable devices and other uses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a specific retardation film arrangement with an active liquid crystal layer that can switch between transparent and black modes, utilizing a retardation film with high optical and mechanical anisotropy to minimize these phenomena and enhance transmittance variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal compound is used to vary transmittance, then transmittance can be adjusted, but crosstalk, rainbow, and mirroring phenomena occur due to polarization characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a retardation film with specifically controlled in-plane retardation (Rin) values that differ between the first and second retardation films. The first retardation film has Rin of 300nm to 700nm while the second has Rin of 700nm to 1300nm, creating an asymmetric optical path that compensates for polarization-induced phenomena and eliminates crosstalk, rainbow, and mirroring effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimensional parameter by controlling the in-plane retardation (Rin) values of the retardation films, which is a measure of optical anisotropy in the plane of the film. This dimensional control of optical properties allows compensation of polarization effects without affecting the basic transmittance adjustment function of the liquid crystal layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a retardation film with high optical anisotropy is used, then transmittance variability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retardation films serve multiple functions simultaneously: they control the optical anisotropy to enhance transmittance variability, compensate for polarization-induced phenomena, and work together with the liquid crystal layer to achieve mode switching. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving enhanced performance.
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 effectively prevents crosstalk, rainbow, and mirroring phenomena while providing excellent transmittance-variable characteristics, allowing for broader application in devices such as eyewear and virtual/augmented reality instruments.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer comprising a liquid crystal compound
Implementation Method 2
a first retardation film and a second retardation film, each having an in-plane retardation (Rin)
Data Source
AI summary
A transmittance-variable device is provided in the present application. The present application provides a transmittance-variable device, which can be applied to various applications without causing problems such as a crosstalk phenomenon, a rainbow phenomenon or a mirroring phenomenon, while having excellent transmittance-variable characteristics.