Fiber-Filled Optical Film for Strong Yet Transparent Cover Windows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical films used as cover windows in display devices face challenges in achieving a balance between mechanical strength, flexibility, and optical properties, particularly when replacing glass.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating fiber-shape or filament-shape fillers into a light-transmitting matrix, with a specific length-to-diameter ratio and orientation, to enhance polymer chain stability and alignment, thereby improving mechanical properties and optical performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If fiber-shape fillers are added to improve mechanical strength and modulus, then mechanical properties are enhanced, but optical properties may deteriorate due to light scattering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidoptical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the aspect ratio (length-to-diameter ratio) of fiber-shaped fillers within a specific range of 10 to 500. This parameter optimization ensures that the fillers provide sufficient mechanical reinforcement while maintaining light transmission properties. The controlled dimensions prevent excessive light scattering that would occur with larger fibers, thus resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength enhancement and optical property preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by ensuring uniform dispersion of fiber-shaped fillers throughout the polymer matrix. This uniform distribution creates localized reinforcement zones without creating large aggregates that would scatter light. The fillers are strategically distributed at the molecular level within the polymer chains, providing mechanical strength at specific locations while maintaining overall optical transparency of the film.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If fiber-shape fillers with high aspect ratio are used to improve modulus, then mechanical rigidity increases, but flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemodulusVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by selecting fiber aspect ratios within the optimal range of 10 to 500. This controlled aspect ratio provides sufficient modulus enhancement for structural integrity while preventing the film from becoming too rigid. The specific dimensional parameters allow the fillers to reinforce the polymer matrix without creating excessive stiffness that would compromise flexibility and formability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using a controlled concentration of fiber-shaped fillers rather than maximum loading. This partial incorporation provides just enough reinforcement to improve modulus and mechanical strength while leaving sufficient polymer matrix continuity to maintain flexibility. The fillers are added in amounts that achieve the desired mechanical enhancement without over-reinforcing the structure to the point of brittleness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Strength

If fillers are added to impart physical properties, then mechanical strength improves, but optical transparency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidoptical transparency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by controlling the aspect ratio of fillers to be between 10 and 500, which optimizes the balance between mechanical reinforcement and light transmission. This specific geometric parameter range ensures that fillers are sufficiently elongated to provide strength but not so large as to cause significant light scattering. The dimensional parameters are carefully selected to maintain optical transparency while achieving the desired mechanical property enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by using inorganic filler materials that, while providing mechanical reinforcement, do not significantly interfere with optical properties. The filler particles are designed to be optically inert and transparent in the visible range, allowing light to pass through with minimal interaction. This approach enables the use of filler materials that prioritize mechanical function while maintaining optical clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20250377486A1Optical film and display device including same
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 KOLON INDUSTRIES INC
  • US20250377486A1 patent drawing
  • US20250377486A1 patent drawing
  • US20250377486A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention provides an optical film and a display device including same, the optical film comprising: a light-transmissive matrix; and a filler dispersed in the light-transmissive matrix, wherein the filler has a fiber shape, and when A denotes the diameter of the filler and B denotes the length of the filler, B/A ranges from 10 to 500.