Foldable Display Protective Layer With Crack-Resistant Anti-Reflection Stack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display apparatuses experience cracks in the protective layer due to damage to the anti-reflection layer during folding, which compromises the integrity and functionality of the display.
Innovation Solution
A protective layer comprising a base layer, alternating high and low refractive index layers made of titanium-niobium oxide and silicon oxide, respectively, an anti-fingerprint layer with a perfluorinated compound, and a metal layer of aluminum, along with optional auxiliary layers, is designed to enhance structural integrity and reduce cracking during folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional anti-reflection layer is used in the protective layer, then the reflectivity is reduced and visibility is improved, but cracks occur during folding of the display apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters of the anti-reflection layer by incorporating aluminum metal layers (5-20 nm thick) between high refractive index layers and low refractive index layers. This parameter change in material composition provides both anti-reflection functionality and flexibility to prevent cracks during folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite anti-reflection layer structure combining multiple materials: high refractive index materials (titanium oxide, niobium oxide), low refractive index materials (silicon oxide), and aluminum metal layers. This composite structure achieves both optical performance (low reflectivity) and mechanical performance (crack resistance during folding).
2Ease of manufacture
If the protective layer structure is simplified, then the manufacturing process is easier, but the anti-reflection effect and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anti-reflection layer into multiple thin sub-layers (high refractive index layer, low refractive index layer, metal layer) with specific thicknesses. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and durability during folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes thickness parameters of each layer (high refractive index layer: 50-200 nm, low refractive index layer: 50-200 nm, metal layer: 5-20 nm) to achieve the desired balance between manufacturing feasibility and enhanced durability against cracking.
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 protective layer significantly reduces the occurrence of cracks during folding, maintaining the display's structural integrity and enhancing its durability and visibility by minimizing reflectivity and fingerprint resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a first high refractive layer disposed on the base layer and including titanium and niobium, a first low refractive layer disposed on the first high refractive layer and including silicon
Implementation Method 2
a first high refractive layer disposed on the base layer and including titanium and niobium, a first low refractive layer disposed on the first high refractive layer and including silicon, a second high refractive layer disposed on the first low refractive layer, the first high refractive layer and the second high refractive layer including a same material, a second low refractive layer disposed on the second high refractive layer
Implementation Method 3
a metal layer interposed between the first high refractive layer and the first low refractive layer and including aluminum
Implementation Method 4
an anti-fingerprint layer disposed on the second low refractive layer and including a perfluorinated compound
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a protective layer and a display apparatus including the protective layer. The protective layer includes a base layer, a first high refractive layer disposed on the base layer and including titanium and niobium, a first low refractive layer disposed on the first high refractive layer and including silicon, a second high refractive layer disposed on the first low refractive layer, the first high refractive layer and the second high refractive layer including a same material, a second low refractive layer disposed on the second high refractive layer, the first low refractive layer and the second low refractive layer including a same material, an anti-fingerprint layer disposed on the second low refractive layer and including a perfluorinated compound, and a metal layer interposed between the first high refractive layer and the first low refractive layer and including aluminum.