Wire Grid Polarizer Light Recycling for Display Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display technologies, such as head-mounted displays for virtual or augmented reality, face inefficiencies in light utilization due to the presence of absorption polarizers, which block emitted light rather than recycling it, leading to reduced light efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a display module structure that includes a silicon substrate with a driving circuit layer, a light emitting layer, color filters, a λ/4 phase retardation plate, and a wire grid polarizer, which recycles light without the need for an absorption polarizer, enhancing light efficiency by allowing unblocked light to be reused.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If an absorption polarizer is used in the display module, then the polarization function is achieved, but light efficiency deteriorates due to light blocking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight efficiencyVSAvoidpolarizer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the polarizer from absorption-based to reflection-based mechanism. By using a wire grid polarizer with metal patterns that reflect rather than absorb light, the system achieves polarization while minimizing light loss, directly resolving the contradiction between polarization function and light efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously harmful light blocking effect into a beneficial reflection mechanism. By designing the wire grid polarizer to reflect polarized light rather than absorb it, the system transforms what was a loss (blocked light) into a useful function (polarization maintenance through reflection), improving overall light efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Loss of energy

If a wire grid polarizer with metal patterns is used, then light efficiency is improved through light recycling, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight efficiencyVSAvoidwire grid polarizer fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements the wire grid polarizer as a thin film structure with metal patterns that can be deposited on flexible substrates. This approach enables light recycling functionality while maintaining ease of manufacture through thin-film deposition techniques, resolving the contradiction between improved light efficiency and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical polarization structures with a simplified wire grid pattern that achieves polarization through geometric arrangement of metal lines. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the light recycling function, as the wire grid can be fabricated using standard thin-film deposition and patterning processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration improves light efficiency by recycling light that would otherwise be blocked, resulting in a more effective display module for virtual or augmented reality applications.

Implementation Method 1

a wire grid polarizer disposed on the phase retardation plate and including metal patterns spaced apart from each other at selectable intervals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a phase retardation plate disposed on the display panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase retardation: Birefringence

Implementation Method 3

a first color filter disposed in a first pixel area among the pixel areas and that transmits red light; a second color filter disposed in a second pixel area among the pixel areas and that transmits green light; and a third color filter disposed in a third pixel area among the pixel areas and that transmits blue light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 4

a light emitting layer disposed on the driving circuit layer and extending over the pixel areas continuously

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS20240215401A1Display module and electric device including the same

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display module includes a display panel including a silicon substrate including pixel areas, a driving circuit layer disposed on the silicon substrate, a light emitting layer disposed on the driving circuit layer and extending over the pixel areas continuously, and a color filter disposed in the pixel areas on the light emitting layer, a phase retardation plate disposed on the display panel, and a wire grid polarizer disposed on the phase retardation plate and including metal patterns spaced apart from each other at selectable intervals.