Electrochromic Decoration Member with Interference Color Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decoration films for mobile devices struggle to achieve various colors on three-dimensional patterns and exhibit limited color change depending on the viewing angle, requiring multiple printing steps and fixed color appearances.

Innovation Solution

A decoration member with a color developing layer comprising a light reflective layer and a light absorbing layer, where constructive and destructive interference occur, and an electrochromic device is integrated to provide active color changes, allowing for a wide range of colors and angle-dependent color shifts, enhanced by an in-mold label layer for application as a deco film or case.

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 manufacturing complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the thickness of the light absorbing layer to achieve different colors. By controlling the thickness parameter of the light absorbing layer (which can be formed through deposition or printing processes), the patent enables color diversity without requiring multiple printing steps. The color outcome is determined by the optical properties and thickness of the light absorbing layer material, allowing a single process to produce multiple colors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed color decoration is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but color change capability depending on viewing angle is limited

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by incorporating the light reflective layer with specific optical properties that enable color changes based on viewing angle. The light reflective layer is designed to work in conjunction with the light absorbing layer to create angle-dependent color effects. This allows the decoration member to dynamically change its appearance based on the observer's position while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a relatively straightforward layered structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining the light absorbing layer and light reflective layer in a specific configuration. The light reflective layer is formed on the light absorbing layer, creating a composite structure where the interaction between the two layers produces angle-dependent color changes. This composite approach enables color change capability while maintaining ease of manufacture through a systematic layering process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If passive decoration methods are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but aesthetic value and functionality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidaesthetic value
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by utilizing the optical interaction between the light absorbing layer and light reflective layer. The combination of these layers creates a system that exhibits angle-dependent color changes, enhancing aesthetic value through dynamic visual effects. This color change mechanism is integrated into the layer structure itself, maintaining relative simplicity while significantly improving aesthetic appeal and visual functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color 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 solution enables the creation of a wide range of colors and dynamic color changes based on viewing angles, improving aesthetic value and functionality beyond traditional passive decoration methods.

Implementation Method 1

constructive interference and destructive interference phenomena occur between reflected light on the light absorbing layer surface and reflected light on the light reflective layer surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConstructive interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

constructive interference and destructive interference phenomena occur between reflected light on the light absorbing layer surface and reflected light on the light reflective layer surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDestructive interference: Interference

Implementation Method 3

an electrochromic device provided on any one surface of the color developing layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentEP3725503B1Decoration member
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3725503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3725503B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3725503B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5(b)

AI summary

The present application relates to a decoration member comprising a color developing layer comprising a light reflective layer, and a light absorbing layer provided on the light reflective layer and comprising a convex portion or concave portion shape having an asymmetric-structured cross-section; an electrochromic device provided on any one surface of the color developing layer; and an in-mold label layer provided on the other surface of the color developing layer.