DBEF Hardness Enhancement for Scratch-Resistant Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal display devices face issues with scratch susceptibility and surface ruggedness due to low hardness of Dual Brightness Enhancement Films (DBEFs), which worsens with larger panel sizes, preventing them from functioning as both mirrors and displays effectively.
Innovation Solution
Applying a DBEF separate from the polarization plate and enhancing its hardness with a transparent material or hard coating, such as toughened glass, to improve the mirror and display functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a DBEF is applied to enhance brightness, then brightness is improved, but the surface becomes rugged and scratch susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical film stack into separate functional layers: a DBEF layer for brightness enhancement and a polarization plate layer for polarization control. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, where the DBEF provides brightness while the polarization plate maintains surface smoothness and scratch resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining DBEF material with polarization plate material. The DBEF layer is deposited on the polarization plate to create a composite optical system that integrates both brightness enhancement and polarization functions, with the polarization plate providing the hard, scratch-resistant surface
2Area of stationary object
If the panel size is increased, then display area is expanded, but surface ruggedness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the DBEF application from the polarization plate, the patent allows the polarization plate to maintain its inherent surface smoothness and scratch resistance even as panel size increases. The DBEF layer can be applied separately without compromising the base polarization plate surface quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the DBEF enhancement locally to specific regions where brightness is needed, rather than applying it across the entire panel surface. This localized application minimizes the impact on overall surface smoothness while maintaining the brightness enhancement benefit
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 solution provides a clear mirror and display functionality by enhancing the hardness of the DBEF, reducing surface ruggedness and enabling the device to function effectively as both a mirror and display, even on larger panels without compromising brightness, as demonstrated by the maintained brightness and improved surface smoothness.
Implementation Method 1
an optical film, such as a DBEF, is applied separate from a polarization plate for improving a rugged mirror surface
Implementation Method 2
enhancing its hardness with a transparent material or hard coating, such as toughened glass
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a back light unit for emitting a light; a lower polarization plate on the back light unit; a liquid crystal display panel on the lower polarization plate for displaying an image; an upper polarization plate on the liquid crystal display panel; an optical film bonded to the upper polarization plate; and a transparent material on the optical film for improving hardness of the optical film.