Alternating Refractive Index Layers Mask Transparent Electrode Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent electrode-attached complexes face challenges in achieving excellent transparent electrode pattern-masking properties without using a high-refractive index transparent film on the base material side, while also reducing thickness unevenness and improving pencil hardness.
Innovation Solution
A transparent electrode-attached complex is designed with a base material, a transparent electrode pattern, and an optical adjustment member in a specific layer constitution, where low-refractive index layers are odd-numbered and high-refractive index layers are even-numbered, with a refractive index difference of 0.05 or more and thicknesses between 5 to 80 nm, allowing for excellent masking properties and pencil hardness without a high-refractive index film on the base material side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a high-refractive index transparent film is used on the base material side, then transparent electrode pattern-masking properties are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical adjustment member is segmented into multiple thin layers with alternating refractive indices (low-refractive index layers and high-refractive index layers). This segmentation allows the optical function to be distributed across multiple interfaces, achieving effective pattern masking without requiring a single thick high-refractive index film on the base material side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by positioning high-refractive index layers at specific locations (odd-numbered layers from the transparent electrode pattern side) rather than using a high-refractive index film throughout the entire structure. This localized application of high refractive index material optimizes pattern masking while reducing overall complexity.
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 enhances transparent electrode pattern-masking properties, reduces thickness unevenness, and achieves excellent pencil hardness, improving manufacturing suitability and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for a high-refractive index film on the base material side.
Implementation Method 1
the refractive index of the second curable transparent resin layer is higher than the refractive index of the first curable transparent resin layer, and the refractive index of the second curable transparent resin layer is 1.6 or higher... in a case in which the refractive index difference between the transparent electrode pattern and the second curable transparent resin layer and the refractive index difference between the second curable transparent resin layer and the first curable transparent resin layer are decreased, light reflection is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a transparent electrode-attached complex which includes a base material, a transparent electrode pattern, an optical adjustment member, and a transparent protective layer in this order, in which the optical adjustment member has at least one layer of low-refractive index layers that are odd-numbered layers from a transparent electrode pattern side and at least one layer of high-refractive index layers that are even-numbered layers from the transparent electrode pattern side, a difference in refractive index between the low-refractive index layer and the high-refractive index layer that are directly adjacent to each other is 0.05 or more, a refractive index of the high-refractive index layer is 2.10 or lower, and a thickness of each of the low-refractive index layer and the high-refractive index layer is 5 to 80 nm, has excellent transparent electrode pattern-masking properties, is capable of reducing unevenness attributed to an optical adjustment member, and has an excellent pencil hardness even without using a transparent film having a high refractive index on the base material-side of a transparent electrode pattern; a transfer film; a method for manufacturing a transparent electrode-attached complex; and an electrostatic capacitance-type input device.