An oleophobic film preparation system and method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of coating, specifically relating to an oleophobic film preparation system and method, including a fixing structure and a deposition chamber. The fixing structure is used to adapt to and fix a smart device. When the fixing structure is installed in the deposition chamber, the screen of the smart device is located inside the deposition chamber. The deposition chamber is equipped with a precursor control module, a power supply module, and a vacuum module. The precursor control module is connected to the deposition chamber and can introduce a fluorine-containing precursor and background gas into the deposition chamber. The power supply module is connected to the deposition chamber and is used to feed electromagnetic energy into the deposition chamber. The vacuum module is connected to the deposition chamber and is used to adjust the gas pressure state inside the deposition chamber. This invention provides an oleophobic film preparation system and method, the purpose of which is to achieve the repair of oleophobic films and overcome the shortcomings of existing repair methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of coating, specifically relating to an oleophobic film preparation system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Oleophobic coatings are a crucial part of the modern smartphone experience. They not only make the screen smoother to the touch but also significantly reduce the adhesion of fingerprints, oil, and dirt. Original oleophobic coatings undergo a precise vacuum evaporation process at the factory, resulting in a coating thickness of only 10 to 20 nanometers. During daily use, physical damage from friction and chemical corrosion from liquid contact can quickly degrade the performance of the oleophobic coating, even causing it to wear off completely. Once the oleophobic coating is worn away, it increases the resistance to finger movement, making fingers feel stickier when moving on the screen, leading to finger fatigue, and even causing touch interruptions and inconsistent swipes, severely impacting the accuracy of interaction. Furthermore, without the protection of the oleophobic coating, sebum, sweat, and dust are no longer tiny droplets floating on the screen surface but spread out across the glass layer, increasing reflectivity under sunlight or artificial light, significantly reducing the screen's light transmittance and visual clarity. The wear and tear of the oleophobic coating is often not evenly distributed throughout the screen. The virtual keyboard area at the bottom center of the screen and the edges of the page that are frequently swiped are usually the first to wear down until the glass is exposed. This causes the swiping resistance to change abruptly when the user swipes the screen, resulting in an extremely poor and disjointed touch experience.

[0003] When the oleophobic coating is damaged, a tempered glass screen protector with an oleophobic coating is usually applied directly to the phone screen for ease of use. This type of tempered glass screen protector with its built-in oleophobic coating offers fingerprint resistance similar to the original manufacturer's oleophobic coating. However, the tempered glass itself reduces screen light transmittance and severely affects the accuracy of fingerprint recognition on phones with in-display fingerprint sensors, as well as the precision of touch input. Furthermore, for curved screen phones, the tempered glass screen protector adheres poorly at the edges, significantly impacting the aesthetics. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an oleophobic film preparation system and method, the purpose of which is to achieve the repair of oleophobic films and overcome the shortcomings of existing repair methods.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an oleophobic film preparation system, including a fixing structure and a deposition chamber. The fixing structure is used to adapt to and fix a smart device. When the fixing structure is installed in the deposition chamber, the screen of the smart device is located inside the deposition chamber. The deposition chamber is equipped with a precursor control module, a power supply module, and a vacuum module. The precursor control module is connected to the deposition chamber and can introduce a fluorine-containing precursor and background gas into the deposition chamber. The power supply module is connected to the deposition chamber and is used to feed electromagnetic energy into the deposition chamber. The vacuum module is connected to the deposition chamber and is used to adjust the gas pressure state in the deposition chamber.

[0006] Preferably, the bottom of the deposition chamber is provided with a receiving groove, and a fixing structure for accommodating the smart device can be installed in the receiving groove, so that the screen of the smart device is located in the sealed deposition chamber.

[0007] Preferably, the fixing structure is a frame structure, and the internal structure of the fixing structure has a receiving cavity for accommodating the smart device, so that only the screen of the smart device is exposed.

[0008] Preferably, the precursor control module includes a mass flow controller, a vaporization and heat tracing pipeline, and an airflow distributor. The mass flow controller is connected to the vaporization and heat tracing pipeline, which is then connected to the airflow distributor, which is in communication with the deposition chamber.

[0009] Preferably, the power feeding module includes a microwave source, an impedance matching network, and an antenna and dielectric window structure. The microwave source is connected to the impedance matching network, the impedance matching network is connected to the antenna and dielectric window structure, and the antenna and dielectric window structure is connected to the deposition cavity.

[0010] Preferably, the vacuum module includes a mechanical pump and a vacuum pump, the mechanical pump being connected to the vacuum pump, and the vacuum pump being connected to the deposition chamber.

[0011] A second aspect of this invention discloses a method for preparing an oleophobic film using the above-described oleophobic film system, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Place the screen of the smart device inside the deposition chamber; Step 2: Adjust the gas pressure in the deposition chamber using the vacuum module; Step 3: Background gas and reactive gas are introduced into the deposition chamber through the precursor control module, and electromagnetic energy is introduced into the deposition chamber through the energy feeding module to achieve screen cleaning and screen surface activation. Step four: Fluorine-containing precursor and background gas are introduced into the deposition chamber through the precursor control module, and the vacuum module maintains the gas pressure state in the deposition chamber. Electromagnetic energy is then introduced into the deposition chamber through the energy feeding module, so that an oleophobic film is formed on the screen surface.

[0012] Preferably, the method further includes step five, which involves introducing oxygen into the deposition chamber through the precursor control module and introducing electromagnetic energy into the deposition chamber through the energy feeding module to achieve internal cleaning of the deposition chamber.

[0013] Preferably, in steps two and three, the background gas is argon. In step two, the reactive gas is oxygen.

[0014] Preferably, in step four, the fluorine-containing precursor is a fluorinated carbon gas, a fluorinated organosilicon compound, a fluorinated hydrocarbon gas, or a combination thereof.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a method to place the screen of a smart device into a deposition chamber. Then, through the cooperation of a precursor control module, a power supply module, and a vacuum module configured on the deposition chamber, the screen surface can be cleaned first to remove microscopic impurities, while simultaneously increasing the surface roughness and the number of active groups. Then, using fluorinated organic monomer vapor as a precursor, a uniform water-conducting film is deposited on the screen surface. This system overcomes the inherent drawbacks of existing oleophobic film repair schemes, and the equipment structure is simple, balancing economy and high efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an oleophobic film preparation system.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a fixed structure and a smart device.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed structure.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for preparing an oleophobic film.

[0020] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Deposition chamber; 2. Fixed structure; 3. Intelligent device; 4. Precursor control module; 5. Energy feeding module; 6. Vacuum module. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] The basic implementation examples are as follows: Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 As shown, an oleophobic film preparation system is designed to construct and form a uniform oleophobic film on the surface of displays of various smart electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, thereby solving the problem of inconvenience caused by damage to the oleophobic film.

[0023] The oleophobic film preparation system in this embodiment mainly includes a fixing structure 2 and a deposition chamber 1. The fixing structure 2 plays a crucial role in precisely adapting to and firmly fixing the external smart device 3, ensuring that the smart device 3 maintains a preset posture and position throughout the oleophobic film preparation process, without shifting or shaking. Specifically, the fixing structure 2 is generally a rectangular frame, with an internal cavity that can be a rectangular opening or a rectangular groove. The size of the rectangular opening or groove is precisely designed to accommodate and embed the smart device 3 flatly, achieving a tight physical connection between the smart device 3 and the fixing structure 2, providing a reliable foundation for subsequent uniform deposition. Simultaneously, a sealing ring is provided on the inner ring of the rectangular opening or groove of the fixing structure 2. This sealing ring wraps around the edge of the screen, preventing internal bulging or other problems caused by a vacuum environment in the smart device 3.

[0024] Understandably, in practical applications, the rectangular openings or rectangular grooves constructed in the fixing structure 2 will have different dimensions to accommodate various sizes and specifications of smart devices 3 (such as mobile phones with different screen sizes). Through this variable size design, the system can expand its applicability and achieve effective compatibility and stable fixing of various smart devices 3 of different sizes.

[0025] In this embodiment, the deposition chamber 1 and the fixing structure 2 are compatible and can be installed together. Specifically, the deposition chamber 1 in this embodiment has a rectangular receiving groove at its bottom, and the fixing structure 2 can be precisely inserted into the receiving groove, thereby firmly fixing the fixing structure 2 to the bottom of the deposition chamber 1. When the fixing structure 2, which houses the smart device 3, is placed at the bottom of the deposition chamber 1, the deposition chamber 1 is in a completely closed state. Meanwhile, to further enhance the connection stability between the fixing structure 2 and the bottom of the deposition chamber 1, fasteners, snap-fit ​​structures, or other known connection methods in the prior art can be added between them. When the fixing structure 2 is fully inserted into the receiving groove, the screen of the smart device 3 will be directly facing the inside of the deposition chamber 1, and the screen will be completely within the internal space of the deposition chamber 1.

[0026] In this embodiment, a thin film deposition and plasma processing environment can be formed within the deposition chamber 1, specifically configured with a precursor control module 4, a power supply module 5, and a vacuum module 6. The precursor control module 4's main function is to precisely deliver and regulate the process gas into the deposition chamber 1, specifically including the introduction of reactive gas, a fluorine-containing reaction precursor, and background gas. The reactive gas can be oxygen, and the background gas can be argon. The power supply module 5 is responsible for efficiently introducing electromagnetic energy of a specific frequency band into the deposition chamber 1 to excite and maintain the plasma state. The core task of the vacuum module 6 is to dynamically adjust and maintain the required gas pressure and vacuum level within the deposition chamber 1, creating a suitable low-pressure environment for the reaction.

[0027] In this embodiment, the precursor control module 4 specifically includes a mass flow controller, a vaporization and heating pipeline, and a gas flow distributor. These components are connected in series: the mass flow controller accurately measures and controls the flow rate of each gas, and is then connected to the vaporization and heating pipeline, which ensures that the liquid or easily condensable precursor is fully vaporized and maintains a stable gaseous state, preventing condensation in the pipeline; downstream of the vaporization and heating pipeline is the gas flow distributor, which is ultimately connected to the inlet of the deposition chamber 1. The coordinated operation of the precursor control module 4 ensures that the background gas and the gaseous reaction precursor are fully and uniformly premixed before entering the vacuum chamber.

[0028] The power feeding module 5 in this embodiment specifically consists of a microwave source, an impedance matching network, and an antenna and dielectric window structure. These components are connected sequentially: the microwave source generates the required high-frequency electromagnetic energy, and its output is connected to the impedance matching network; the impedance matching network is further coupled to the antenna and dielectric window structure; finally, the antenna and dielectric window structure are connected to the deposition cavity 1 to achieve in-cavity energy feeding. The power feeding module 5 is designed to efficiently couple externally generated high-frequency electromagnetic energy into the deposition cavity 1 with the lowest possible transmission loss. Simultaneously, the impedance matching network dynamically tunes the transmission path to achieve impedance matching, maximizing energy transmission efficiency and ultimately driving the gas within the cavity to achieve efficient and uniform plasma ignition and stable maintenance over a large area.

[0029] The vacuum module 6 in this embodiment mainly consists of a mechanical pump and a vacuum pump, which are connected in series via pipelines: the mechanical pump acts as a backing pump connected to a higher vacuum level vacuum pump, while the vacuum pump is directly connected to the deposition chamber 1 via a pumping pipe. This vacuum system not only performs the basic functions of initially extracting gas from the deposition chamber 1 to establish and maintain a high vacuum and removing impurities and residual gases, but also dynamically maintains a high degree of stability in the chamber pressure during the process through a closed-loop feedback control mechanism. Simultaneously, the vacuum system can be combined with a high-precision absolute vacuum gauge to monitor the chamber pressure in real time, and with the help of an adaptive throttling valve, the pumping gas flow can be adjusted in real time and precisely during the continuous flow of process gas. This design ensures dynamic balance and high controllability of the gas pressure in the plasma deposition or etching reaction environment. Furthermore, the system integrates a treatment unit at the exhaust terminal to safely collect and harmlessly treat the exhaust gases generated during the reaction process, meeting environmental protection and safety requirements.

[0030] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method: When coating is required, the smart device 3 is installed in conjunction with the fixed structure 2. Then, the fixed structure 2 containing the smart device 3 is installed with the deposition chamber 1, ensuring a secure and well-sealed connection. Next, a vacuum is drawn to eliminate interfering gases, creating an ideal vacuum environment for high-purity film formation. Then, an appropriate amount of high-purity background gas and reactive gas is introduced through the precursor control module 4, and the working pressure is stabilized at a preset value using an adaptive throttle valve. The power supply module 5 then applies power, exciting a high-density plasma. The high-energy reactive species bombard the substrate surface under the acceleration of the built-in electric field, removing contaminants such as grease and stains from the screen surface, while simultaneously activating the screen surface to provide a chemical anchor for subsequent oleophobic film deposition. Finally, a fluorinated precursor and background gas are introduced into the chamber in a precise ratio. The precursor molecules dissociate and, upon reaching the screen surface, grow a dense, covalently bonded fluorocarbon polymer film with extremely low surface energy.

[0031] Example 2 This embodiment provides a method for using the above-described oleophobic film preparation system, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the steps include: Step 1: Install the fixed structure 2 containing the smart device 3 into the deposition chamber 1, so that the screen of the smart device 3 is located inside the deposition chamber 1; Step 2: The vacuum module 6 configured on the deposition chamber 1 operates to maintain the gas pressure in the deposition chamber 1 at tens of Pascals, eliminate interfering gases, and provide an ideal vacuum environment for high-purity film formation. Step three: Background gas and reactive gas are introduced into deposition chamber 1 via precursor control module 4. The background gas can be argon, and the reactive gas can be oxygen. Then, electromagnetic energy is introduced via energy feeding module 5 to generate high-density plasma. The high-energy reactive species bombard the substrate surface under the acceleration of the built-in electric field, thereby cleaning the screen of smart device 3 and activating the screen surface.

[0032] Step four: The precursor control module 4 introduces the corresponding proportion of fluorine-containing precursor and background gas into the deposition chamber 1; the power supply module 5 is adjusted to a specific power mode to introduce electromagnetic energy into the deposition chamber 1, causing the precursor molecules to dissociate and grow a dense covalently bonded fluoropolymer oleophobic film with extremely low surface energy on the screen surface; during the formation of the oleophobic film, the vacuum module 6 performs dynamic gas extraction adjustment to maintain a constant deposition working gas pressure.

[0033] The fluorinated precursor in this step can be a fluorocarbon gas (e.g., CF4, C2F6, C3F8, C4F8, etc.), a fluorinated organosilicon compound, a fluorinated hydrocarbon gas, or a combination thereof. These precursors can generate fluorinated active groups (e.g., CFx, CxFy, etc.) under plasma irradiation and construct a low surface energy interface layer on the substrate through surface reactions.

[0034] Furthermore, this embodiment preferably uses a fluorinated carbon precursor gas CH2F2 system. Under plasma excitation, this type of gas can undergo dissociation, ionization, and recombination reactions to generate active free radicals dominated by CFx (x=1–3), which deposit on the substrate surface to form a thin film structure rich in C–F bonds, thereby significantly reducing surface energy. Under optimal conditions (CH2F2:Ar=2.5:1), the static contact angle of the film with glycerol can exceed 140°, exhibiting superoleophobic properties. Alternatively, a fluorinated precursor system of fluorinated organosilicon is preferred, such as macromolecular fluorinated liquid silanes like FAS-3, FAS-5, and FAS-17. These precursors simultaneously generate fluorinated groups and a silicon-oxygen network structure in a plasma environment, forming a composite film on the substrate surface that combines low surface energy with good adhesion.

[0035] Step 5: To ensure the yield of the next batch of products and the stability of the equipment, oxygen is introduced into the deposition chamber 1 through the precursor control module 4, and electromagnetic energy is introduced through the energy feeding module 5, so that highly oxidizing active species are formed in the deposition chamber 1 to clean and remove residual substances inside the chamber and in the pipeline.

[0036] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge regarding specific structures and characteristics is not elaborated upon here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An oleophobic film preparation system, characterized in that: It includes a fixing structure (2) and a deposition cavity (1). The fixing structure (2) is used to adapt and fix the smart device (3). When the fixing structure (2) is installed in the deposition cavity (1), the screen of the smart device (3) is located inside the deposition cavity (1). The deposition chamber (1) is equipped with a precursor control module (4), a power supply module (5), and a vacuum module (6). The precursor control module (4) is connected to the deposition chamber (1) and can introduce a fluorine-containing precursor and background gas into the deposition chamber (1). The power supply module (5) is connected to the deposition chamber (1) and is used to feed electromagnetic energy into the deposition chamber (1). The vacuum module (6) is connected to the deposition chamber (1) and is used to adjust the gas pressure state in the deposition chamber (1).

2. The oleophobic film preparation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the deposition chamber (1) is constructed with a receiving groove, and the fixing structure (2) that houses the smart device (3) can be installed in the receiving groove, so that the screen of the smart device (3) is located in the sealed deposition chamber (1).

3. The oleophobic film preparation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fixing structure (2) is a frame structure, and the internal structure of the fixing structure (2) has a receiving cavity for accommodating the smart device (3) and making only the screen of the smart device (3) exposed.

4. The oleophobic film preparation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The precursor control module (4) includes a mass flow controller, a vaporization and heat tracing pipeline and an airflow distributor. The mass flow controller is connected to the vaporization and heat tracing pipeline, which is then connected to the airflow distributor. The airflow distributor is connected to the deposition chamber (1).

5. The oleophobic film preparation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power feeding module (5) includes a microwave source, an impedance matching network, and an antenna and dielectric window structure. The microwave source is connected to the impedance matching network, the impedance matching network is connected to the antenna and dielectric window structure, and the antenna and dielectric window structure is connected to the deposition cavity (1).

6. The oleophobic film preparation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum module (6) includes a mechanical pump and a vacuum pump, the mechanical pump being connected to the vacuum pump and the vacuum pump being connected to the deposition chamber (1).

7. A method for preparing an oleophobic film using the system described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Includes the following steps, Step 1: Place the screen of the smart device (3) inside the deposition chamber (1); Step 2: Adjust the gas pressure in the deposition chamber (1) using the vacuum module (6); Step 3: Background gas and reactive gas are introduced into the deposition chamber (1) through the precursor control module (4), and electromagnetic energy is introduced into the deposition chamber (1) through the energy feeding module (5) to achieve screen cleaning and screen surface activation. Step 4: Fluorine-containing precursor and background gas are introduced into the deposition chamber (1) through the precursor control module (4), and the vacuum module (6) maintains the gas pressure state in the deposition chamber (1). Electromagnetic energy is then introduced into the deposition chamber (1) through the energy feeding module (5), so that an oleophobic film is formed on the screen surface.

8. The method for preparing an oleophobic film according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes step five, introducing oxygen into the deposition chamber (1) through the precursor control module (4) and introducing electromagnetic energy into the deposition chamber (1) through the energy feeding module (5) to achieve internal cleaning of the deposition chamber (1).

9. The method for preparing an oleophobic film according to claim 7, characterized in that: In steps two and three, the background gas is argon. and / or; In step two, the reactive gas is oxygen.

10. The method for preparing an oleophobic film according to claim 7, characterized in that: In step four, the fluorine-containing precursor is a fluorinated carbon gas, a fluorinated organosilicon compound, a fluorinated hydrocarbon gas, or a combination thereof.

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