Copper Oxide Decorative Member for Viewing-Angle Color Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decorative films for cosmetic containers and electronic products require multiple printing processes to achieve heterogeneous colors on three-dimensional patterns and exhibit limited color variation with fixed colors depending on the viewing angle.

Innovation Solution

A decorative member with a light absorbing layer containing copper oxide (CuOx) and a light reflective layer, where the copper and oxygen content ratio and thickness of the absorbing layer are adjusted to achieve warm tone colors and dichroism, allowing color variation based on viewing direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple printing processes are used to achieve heterogeneous colors on three-dimensional patterns, then color diversity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor diversityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameter by incorporating copper oxide particles with specific size distributions (D10: 1-10 μm, D50: 11-20 μm, D90: 21-30 μm) into the decorative film. This single parameter change enables the film to exhibit different colors at different viewing angles, achieving heterogeneous color effects without requiring multiple printing processes. The specific particle size distribution controls light scattering and interference to produce warm tone colors that vary with viewing direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material system consisting of a base resin matrix combined with copper oxide particles of different sizes. This composite structure creates optical interference and scattering effects that produce diverse color appearances from a single layer, eliminating the need for multiple printing steps while maintaining color diversity and heterogeneity across three-dimensional patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed colors are used in decorative films, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but color variation with viewing angle is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcolor variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces copper oxide particles with a specific size distribution into the decorative film, which changes the optical parameters of the material. This enables the film to display varying colors depending on the viewing angle while maintaining a simple single-layer manufacturing process. The particle sizes (D10: 1-10 μm, D50: 11-20 μm, D90: 21-30 μm) are specifically controlled to create optical interference that produces warm tone color variations without complex manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If copper oxide content is increased to enhance warm tone color, then color intensity is improved, but element content ratio control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor intensityVSAvoidelement content ratio control
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of simply increasing the total copper oxide content, the patent optimizes the element content ratio by controlling the size distribution of copper oxide particles. The specific distribution (D10: 1-10 μm, D50: 11-20 μm, D90: 21-30 μm) creates optimal optical interference for warm tone colors. This approach achieves high color intensity while maintaining precise control over the Cu:O element ratio through particle size control rather than bulk composition adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 decorative member displays warm tone colors with improved visibility and dichroism, enabling dynamic color changes based on viewing angle without the need for multiple printing processes.

Implementation Method 1

a light absorbing layer (301) provided on the light reflective layer (201), wherein the light absorbing layer includes a copper oxide (Cu a O x )

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a light reflective layer (201) and a light absorbing layer (301) provided on the light reflective layer (201)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3777605B1Decorative member
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3777605B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3777605B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3777605B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present application relates to a decorative member including a color developing layer including a light reflective layer and a light absorbing layer provided on the light reflective layer; and a substrate provided on one surface of the color developing layer, wherein the light absorbing layer includes a copper oxide (CuaOx).