Flexible Display Light-Absorbing Layers to Reduce Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in effectively absorbing external light across the visible light spectrum while maintaining durability and reliability, particularly in flexible and deformable types like foldable, rollable, and bendable displays.

Innovation Solution

A display device design incorporating a base layer with a polyimide film and a light absorbing layer comprising multiple sub-light absorbing layers, each optimized for specific wavelength ranges, to minimize external light reflection and enhance light absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a light absorbing layer is added to reduce external light reflection, then light absorption performance is improved, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal light reflectionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light absorbing layer is divided into multiple sub-layers (first sub-light absorbing layer, second sub-light absorbing layer, third sub-light absorbing layer), each optimized for specific wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows each sub-layer to target specific portions of the visible spectrum, achieving comprehensive light absorption while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each sub-light absorbing layer is positioned at specific locations within the display device structure and is optimized for absorbing light in specific wavelength ranges. The first sub-layer handles shorter wavelengths, the second handles mid-range wavelengths, and the third handles longer wavelengths, creating local optimization throughout the spectrum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If multiple sub-light absorbing layers are used to cover entire visible spectrum, then light absorption efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight absorption efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into sequential steps where each sub-light absorbing layer is formed in a specific order (first sub-layer, then second sub-layer, then third sub-layer). This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured and optimized independently before integrating with subsequent layers, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving comprehensive spectral coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses spectral coverage by adding a wavelength dimension to the light absorbing layers. Instead of trying to absorb all wavelengths with a single layer, the solution transitions to a multi-layer structure where each layer handles a specific wavelength portion, effectively managing manufacturing complexity through spectral dimensionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If light absorbing layer is made thicker to improve absorption, then light absorption performance is improved, but flexibility and deformability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight reflectionVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The light absorbing function is segmented across multiple thin sub-layers rather than one thick layer. Each sub-light absorbing layer has a specific thickness optimized for its wavelength range, and collectively they provide comprehensive absorption. This segmentation maintains flexibility by avoiding a single thick rigid layer while achieving the same absorption effect through multiple thinner, more compliant layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light absorbing layer uses composite material structures where each sub-layer is formed from materials optimized for its specific wavelength absorption range. This composite approach allows each layer to be thin and flexible while collectively providing broad spectral absorption, maintaining the flexibility needed for deformable display devices

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 solution effectively absorbs light across the entire visible light spectrum, reducing external light reflection and improving display quality while ensuring durability and reliability, suitable for flexible and deformable display applications.

Implementation Method 1

a light absorbing layer under the base layer and having a maximum light transmittance in a wavelength range of about 240 nm to about 550 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250301895A1Display device and electronic device including the display device

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a base layer, a display element layer on the base layer, and a light absorbing layer under the base layer and having a maximum light transmittance in a wavelength range of about 240 nm to about 550 nm. Thus, reflection of external light may be reduced, and excellent or suitable reliability may be exhibited because the light absorbing layer is sufficiently suitably cured in a wavelength range in which a light transmittance becomes maximum or is maximized.