Conductive Light-Transmissive Film Anti-Crack Buffer Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conductive transparent films face issues with increased specific resistance due to contamination and poor adhesion between the undercoating and ITO layers, leading to delayed reaction times and inadequate mechanical properties, especially with the enlargement of display or touch panel areas.

Innovation Solution

A conductive transparent film configuration including a conductive layer, an undercoating layer, and an anti-crack buffer layer, where the anti-crack buffer layer improves interfacial adhesion and reduces contamination, comprising a transparent conductive oxide with an indium-based composite oxide and a niobium oxide anti-crack buffer layer, enhancing mechanical properties and response speed while maintaining high transmittance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If an undercoating layer is placed between the ITO layer and the transparent base material for refractive index matching, then optical characteristics are improved, but the undercoating layer is damaged during deposition and contaminates the ITO layer, causing specific resistance to increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical characteristicsVSAvoidspecific resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer layer is introduced as an intermediary between the undercoating layer and the ITO layer. This buffer layer protects the undercoating layer from damage during the ITO deposition process, preventing organic substance contamination while maintaining refractive index matching for optimal optical characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface structure is segmented into three distinct layers: the undercoating layer for optical matching, the buffer layer for protection and adhesion, and the ITO layer for conductivity. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering negatively with the others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the display or touch panel area is enlarged, then device functionality is improved, but specific resistance of the conductive transparent film increases, causing reaction time to be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidspecific resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer layer acts as a sacrificial or protective disposable layer that can be optimized for the specific purpose of enabling low-resistance large-area films. By using this intermediate layer, the system achieves low specific resistance across enlarged areas without the contamination problems that would otherwise limit scaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Illumination intensity

If an undercoating layer is used for refractive index matching, then optical characteristics are improved, but adhesion between the undercoating layer and ITO layer is insufficient, causing mechanical properties to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical characteristicsVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer layer serves as a mediator that provides strong adhesion to both the undercoating layer and the ITO layer. This intermediate adhesive layer ensures robust mechanical bonding while allowing the undercoating layer to maintain its optical matching function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The structure employs a composite multi-layer design where each layer contributes different properties: the undercoating layer for optical characteristics, the buffer layer for adhesion and mechanical strength, and the ITO layer for electrical conductivity. This composite structure achieves superior overall performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 film achieves improved mechanical properties, reduced surface resistance, and faster response speed while maintaining excellent optical characteristics and transmittance, effectively addressing the limitations of existing films.

Implementation Method 1

the anti-crack buffer layer improves interfacial adhesion and reduces contamination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection:

Implementation Method 2

The conductive layer may comprise a transparent conductive oxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

attempts have been made to improve the optical characteristics of the conductive transparent film through refractive index matching between the ITO layer and the transparent base material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefractive index matching: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3355317B1Conductive light-transmissive film
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3355317B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3355317B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

The present application relates to a conductive transparent film. The conductive transparent film comprises an undercoating layer, an anti-crack buffer layer, and a conductive layer. The conductive transparent film may have not only excellent mechanical strength, but also have a fast response speed when applied to a touch panel.