Copper Oxide Decorative Member for Directional Color Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deco films for cosmetic containers and other products require multiple printing steps to achieve various colors on three-dimensional patterns and have limited color variation based on viewing angle.

Innovation Solution

A decorative member with a light absorbing layer containing copper oxide (Cu a O x ) and a light reflective layer, where the element content ratio and thickness of the absorbing layer are adjusted to achieve specific optical properties, allowing for cool tone colors and dichroism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple printing steps are used to achieve various colors on three-dimensional patterns, then color diversity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the thickness of the copper oxide layer (50-200 nm) and adjusting the Cu/O element ratio to achieve different colors. By varying these physical and compositional parameters, multiple colors can be obtained from a single layer without multiple printing steps, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining color diversity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining copper oxide with specific element ratios (Cu: 0.61-1.2, O: 0.39-0.79) to create a multi-functional layer that provides both structural support and color variation. This composite approach allows a single layer to achieve what would traditionally require multiple separate printing layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed colors are used in deco films, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but color variation and visual appeal are limited

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves color variation through parameter changes in the copper oxide layer thickness (50-200 nm) and composition (Cu/O ratio). This allows the same manufacturing process to produce different colors by adjusting these parameters, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving color versatility and visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If thin film deposition is used to achieve colors, then layer thickness is reduced, but color expression and visibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer thicknessVSAvoidcolor expression
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the thin copper oxide layer thickness (50-200 nm) and adjusts the Cu/O element ratio to maximize color expression within the thin film constraint. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent achieves vibrant color variation and enhanced visibility despite the reduced layer thickness, resolving the contradiction between thin film requirement and color expression capability.

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 different colors depending on the viewing direction, enhancing visibility and color variation without the need for multiple printing steps.

Implementation Method 1

a light absorbing layer including a copper oxide and having each element content adjusted to a specific ratio

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a light reflective layer and a light absorbing layer provided on the light reflective layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3777604B1Decorative member
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3777604B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3777604B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3777604B1 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) .