Variable Transmittance Glass for Deadfront Display Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deadfronting techniques in displays reduce overall optical transmission, impairing display performance by diminishing light emission, and fail to provide a seamless, uniform appearance without compromising display functionality.
Innovation Solution
A glass article with a variable transmittance component comprising an electrically responsive material that switches between low and high transmittance states in response to voltage changes, maintaining low haze and reflectance while providing a uniform appearance and concealing components when off, and enhancing display visibility when on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing deadfronting techniques are applied to conceal components, then the uniform appearance is improved, but the optical transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable transmittance component that can dynamically change its optical transmission properties between different states. The component transitions from a first transmittance state (providing deadfront appearance with ≤25% transmission) to a second transmittance state (providing high visibility with ≥40% transmission), allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements and resolve the contradiction between concealment and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical transmission parameter of the glass article by applying voltage to the variable transmittance component. This parameter change enables the system to switch between low transmission (for deadfront appearance) and high transmission (for display visibility) states, effectively resolving the contradiction between uniform appearance and optical transmission.
2Ease of operation
If films or layers are applied to lower optical transmission for deadfronting, then the concealment effect is improved, but the display performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using static films or layers that permanently reduce transmission, the patent employs a dynamic variable transmittance component that can switch between concealment mode (≤25% transmission) and display mode (≥40% transmission). This dynamic capability ensures display performance is maintained when needed while providing concealment when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable transmittance component exhibits changes in optical properties (transmittance and haze) in response to voltage application, enabling it to transition between states that provide either concealment or high display visibility, thereby resolving the contradiction between concealment effect and display performance.
3Loss of energy
If variable transmittance is used to maintain display performance, then the optical transmission is improved, but the deadfront appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a variable transmittance component that can dynamically switch between deadfront state (≤25% transmission, uniform appearance) and high-transmission state (≥40% transmission, enhanced display visibility). By controlling the timing and conditions of state transitions, the system maintains deadfront appearance when the display is off while ensuring high optical transmission when the display is active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes voltage-controlled parameter changes in the variable transmittance component to switch between optical states. When voltage is applied, the component transitions to high transmission state for display visibility; when voltage is removed, it returns to low transmission state for deadfront appearance, effectively managing the contradiction between transmission and appearance.
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 ensures a seamless transition between display and non-display areas without reducing display performance, offering a uniform appearance and effective concealment of components, with minimal glare and sparkle, while maintaining high optical transmission when active.
Implementation Method 1
a variable transmittance component disposed on the second major surface of the glass substrate, the variable transmittance component comprising an electrically responsive material configured to switch between a first transmission state and a second transmission state in response to a change in voltage applied to the variable transmittance component
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes glass articles comprising a glass substrate and a variable transmittance component disposed on the glass substrate. The variable transmittance component comprises an electrically responsive material configured to switch between a first transmission state and a second transmission state in response to a change in voltage applied to the variable transmittance component. The variable transmittance component is electrically adjustable between a first configuration, in which at least a portion of the electrically responsive material is in the first transmission state such that a first average transmittance of a region of the glass article including the portion is less than or equal to 25% and a second configuration, in which the portion of the electrically responsive material is in the second transmission state and the region comprises a second average transmittance that is greater than or equal to 40%. In the first configuration, a deadfronting effect is realized.