Display Window Multilayer Coating for Hardness and Low Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display panels and windows lack a combination of high hardness and low reflection characteristics, which can lead to issues with durability and visibility due to fingerprints and external light reflection.
Innovation Solution
A window structure comprising a window substrate with an anti-reflection layer made of alternately stacked sub-layers of aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide, and an anti-fingerprint layer, enhancing both hardness and low reflection properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-layer anti-reflection coating is applied to reduce light reflection, then reflectance is reduced, but the surface hardness and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using multiple inorganic insulating materials (aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, silicon oxide) with different refractive indices and hardness properties in a multi-layer structure. This combination allows the anti-reflection layer to simultaneously achieve low reflectance through refractive index optimization and high surface hardness through the contribution of hard materials like aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the anti-reflection layer into multiple sub-layers, each with specific thickness and material composition. The first sub-layer uses aluminum oxide with high hardness, the second sub-layer uses zirconium oxide with intermediate properties, and the third sub-layer uses silicon oxide with low refractive index. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute its specific properties to achieve both low reflectance and high surface hardness simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a multi-layer anti-reflection structure is used to achieve low reflectance, then visibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the thickness of each sub-layer (first sub-layer: 50-150 nm, second sub-layer: 50-150 nm, third sub-layer: 50-150 nm) and the refractive indices of materials to achieve minimum reflectance. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent achieves low reflectance with a manageable three-layer structure rather than more complex multi-layer configurations.
3Strength
If hard inorganic materials are used to increase surface hardness, then durability is improved, but the refractive index control for anti-reflection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where the first sub-layer contains aluminum oxide (80-95 wt%) providing high hardness, the second sub-layer contains zirconium oxide (70-90 wt%) providing intermediate properties, and the third sub-layer contains silicon oxide (85-95 wt%) providing low refractive index. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its dominant property while working together to achieve both hardness and anti-reflection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different material compositions and properties to different sub-layers based on their specific functions. The first sub-layer is optimized for hardness, the second for intermediate properties, and the third for low refractive index. This localized optimization allows the overall structure to achieve properties that no single material could provide alone.
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 window with reflectance less than 2.0% and a surface hardness of 10 GPa or more, improving durability and visibility by reducing reflections and protecting against fingerprints.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-reflection layer disposed on the window substrate... the anti-reflection layer may include a first sub-layer including a first inorganic insulating material, and a second sub-layer including a second inorganic insulating material different from the first inorganic insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a window and a display panel including the window. The window includes a window substrate, an anti-reflection layer disposed on the window substrate, an anti-fingerprint layer disposed over the anti-reflection layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the anti-reflection layer and the anti-fingerprint layer, wherein the anti-reflection layer includes a first sub-layer including a first inorganic insulating material, and a second sub-layer including a second inorganic insulating material different from the first inorganic insulating material, and the first inorganic insulating material includes two or more types of inorganic insulating materials including aluminum oxide.