Conducting Substrate Darkening via Electroplating and Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch screens using metal fine wires face issues with high reflectivity, leading to visibility problems and glare due to the high reflectance of metal patterns, and existing darkening methods either compromise conductivity or are inefficient for thin films.
Innovation Solution
A method involving electroplating and oxidation to form darkening layers on conducting substrates, where a first darkening layer is applied through electroplating and a second layer through dipping in an oxidizer solution, reducing reflectance and improving visibility without affecting conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal fine wire is used for conducting pattern, then conductivity is improved, but reflectivity increases causing visibility problems and glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a darkening layer that changes the optical appearance of the metal conducting pattern from highly reflective to dark/absorbent. This darkening layer is formed through electroplating and oxidation processes, transforming the visual characteristics while preserving the underlying metal's electrical conductivity function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining metal fine wire conducting pattern with a darkening layer (electroplated material and oxide layer). This composite structure integrates the high conductivity of metal with the light-absorbing properties of the darkening layer, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and reflectivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing darkening methods are applied to metal patterns, then reflectance is reduced, but conductivity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The darkening layer is applied selectively to the visible surface areas of the metal conducting pattern through electroplating and oxidation. The treatment is localized to surfaces that need darkening while preserving the conductive pathways, allowing different regions to have different optical properties without compromising overall conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the metal surface through controlled electroplating and oxidation processes. By adjusting plating conditions and oxidation treatment, the surface properties are modified to reduce reflectance while maintaining the bulk electrical properties of the metal conducting pattern.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If darkening layer is applied to entire conducting pattern, then concealment is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electroplating and oxidation processes are performed as preliminary treatments on the metal conducting pattern before final assembly. By applying the darkening layer early in the manufacturing sequence, subsequent processes are simplified and the overall manufacturing complexity is managed more effectively.
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 method effectively reduces reflectance and enhances visibility of the conducting pattern, improving the contrast and concealment of the touch screen by using destructive interference and self-light absorbance, while maintaining conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
forming a first darkening layer in at least a partial area on the conducting pattern by performing electroplating
Implementation Method 2
forming a second darkening layer in at least a partial area on the conducting pattern by dipping the conducting pattern in an oxidizer solution
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a conducting substrate according to the present invention comprises: 1) forming a conducting pattern on a substrate; 2) forming a first darkening layer in at least a partial area on the conducting pattern by performing electroplating; and 3) forming a second darkening layer in at least a partial area on the conducting pattern by dipping the conducting pattern in an oxidizer solution.