Diamond-like Carbon and Hydrophobic Layer Composite Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch panel substrates face challenges in abrasion resistance and wear resistance, particularly when used in electronic devices where user interaction can lead to scratches and wear, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for both high transparency and effective surface protection.
Innovation Solution
A composite substrate structure is developed, featuring a transparent substrate with a diamond-like carbon layer and a hydrophobic layer, where the diamond-like carbon layer is optimized for adhesion and visual transparency, and the hydrophobic layer enhances surface friction properties, resulting in improved scratch and wear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent substrate is used for touch panels, then transparency is maintained, but abrasion resistance and wear resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a transparent substrate with a diamond-like carbon layer and a hydrophobic layer. The diamond-like carbon layer provides hardness and abrasion resistance while maintaining transparency, and the hydrophobic layer adds wear resistance and reduces friction. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between transparency and abrasion resistance by integrating multiple materials with complementary properties.
2Reliability
If protective layers are added to improve abrasion resistance, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin film structures for the diamond-like carbon layer and hydrophobic layer, which provide protective functions without adding significant structural complexity. These thin films are deposited directly on the transparent substrate, creating a compact multi-layer structure that maintains simplicity while improving durability through the functional properties of each layer.
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 composite substrate structure achieves enhanced abrasion resistance and wear resistance while maintaining high transparency, effectively protecting the surface from scratches and wear, and preventing oil or water attraction, thus improving the overall durability and usability of touch panels.
Implementation Method 1
a diamond-like carbon layer disposed between the transparent substrate and the hydrophobic layer
Implementation Method 2
the hydrophobic layer has a coefficient of static friction less than or equal to about 0.1
Implementation Method 3
the hydrophobic layer has a coefficient of kinetic friction less than or equal to about 0.1 with respect to a dustless cloth
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a composite substrate structure and a touch panel having composite substrate structure, for promoting abrasion resistance, visual transparency, and appearance. The composite substrate structure includes a transparent substrate, a hydrophobic layer disposed on the transparent substrate, and a diamond-like carbon layer disposed between the transparent substrate and the hydrophobic layer, wherein the hydrophobic layer has a coefficient of static friction less than or equal to about 0.1.