Flexible Optical Structure With Index-Matched Conductive Grid

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional ITO films are inadequate for bending and folding applications due to poor conductivity and are non-renewable, necessitating an alternative technology.

Innovation Solution

An optical structure with a substrate layer and multiple isolation layers and conductive portions, where the refractive indices of the isolation layers are matched to minimize refractive index mismatch, allowing for narrow line widths and improved conductivity, and includes dielectric elastomers and nanometallic particles for flexibility and color modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional ITO film is used, then transparency is maintained, but conductivity is insufficient and bending/folding capability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconductivityVSAvoidbending and folding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer is segmented into a grid pattern with narrow line widths, allowing the structure to be flexible while maintaining conductivity through the distributed conductive elements. The grid segmentation enables bending capability while preserving electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin film structures for the conductive layers and isolation layers, enabling flexibility and bendability. The thin film design allows the optical structure to be applied to flexible substrates and withstand bending without compromising functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Illumination intensity

If narrow line widths are used to improve transparency, then optical transmittance increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical transmittanceVSAvoidline width control

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the refractive index parameters of the isolation layers to match the surrounding media, reducing optical reflections and improving transmittance. By controlling the refractive index within specific ranges (0.95-1.05), the system achieves high optical performance without requiring extremely narrow line widths, thereby relaxing manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If refractive index mismatch is reduced, then optical transmittance improves, but layer structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical transmittanceVSAvoidisolation layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses multiple isolation layers with matched refractive indices to create optical homogeneity across the structure. This reduces reflections and improves transmittance while maintaining a relatively simple layered architecture that can be manufactured using conventional semiconductor processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 optical structure achieves high transmittance, electromagnetic shielding, and microwave absorption while enabling flexible and responsive defogging/defrosting capabilities, with narrow line widths unnoticeable to the human eye and efficient color display control.

Implementation Method 1

a ratio of a refractive index of the first isolation layer to a refractive index of the second isolation layer is in a range of 0.95 and 1.05

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a first conductive portion in the second isolation layer and filling at least the second opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a dielectric elastomer between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

nanometallic particles on a side of the second conductive portion away from the substrate layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12607847B2Optical structure and method for manufacturing optical structure

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 BEIJING BOE TECH DEV CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an optical structure and a method for manufacturing an optical structure. The optical structure includes: a substrate layer; a first isolation layer on the substrate layer and having a first opening on a side away from the substrate layer; a second isolation layer on the first isolation layer and having a second opening on a side away from the substrate layer, wherein a projection of the first opening on the substrate layer overlaps at least partially with a projection of the second opening on the substrate layer, and wherein a ratio of a refractive index of the first isolation layer to a refractive index of the second isolation layer is in a range of 0.95 and 1.05; and a first conductive portion in the second isolation layer and filling at least the second opening.