Flexible Polarizer Using PVDF Protective Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polarizers used in display devices are inflexible and fragile, making them unsuitable for flexible touch device designs, particularly due to the fragility of tri-cellulose acetate (TAC) materials.
Innovation Solution
A flexible polarizer configuration comprising a polarizing layer sandwiched between two protective layers, where the protective layers are made of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) or high phase retardation plastics, allowing for bending and minimizing optical axis angles to reduce glare and rainbow effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If TAC material is used for protective layers, then transparency is improved, but flexibility and strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from TAC to PVDF, which fundamentally alters both the flexibility and optical properties. PVDF provides inherent flexibility while maintaining transparency, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure with PVDF as the base material and optionally combines it with other materials like PMMA, PI, PET, or PP to enhance specific properties. This composite approach allows optimization of both flexibility and transparency.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional polarizer structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to flexible devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid TAC to flexible PVDF, which fundamentally alters the adaptability of the polarizer to flexible devices while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a straightforward layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible thin film materials (PVDF) for the protective layers, enabling the entire polarizer structure to be flexible and adaptable to curved or bent display configurations while remaining easy to manufacture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical axis angle is reduced to minimize glare, then visual interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter by controlling the optical axis angle between protective layers to be less than 15 degrees, which minimizes glare and rainbow effects while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
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 enhances the flexibility and reduces visual interference issues like glare and rainbow effects, enabling the polarizer to function effectively in flexible touch devices without additional components like quarter-wave plates, while maintaining high transparency.
Implementation Method 1
The first protective layer, the second protective layer, and the polarizing layer are configured to be bent along a bend line. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an angle between an optical axis of the first protective layer and an optical axis of the second protective layer is smaller than 15 degrees.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a flexible polarizer, including a polarizing layer, a first protective layer, and a second protective layer. The polarizing layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The first protective layer is disposed on the first surface and comprises polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) or a kind of high phase retardation plastics. The second protective layer is disposed on the second surface and comprises PVDF or a kind of the high phase retardation plastics. The first protective layer, the second protective layer, and the polarizing layer are configured to be bent along a bend line.