Front Light Sterilization Module with Sputtered Touch Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices with front light modules lack a sterilization function and are not thin enough, as they require additional substrates and adhesive layers for touch electrodes, which increases thickness and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A front light sterilization module incorporating a light source with both illumination and sterilization beams, a glass light guide substrate with optical microstructures, an ultraviolet light reflection layer directly sputtered on the substrate, and a touch electrode layer, which allows for direct sputtering and thinning, along with an optical adhesive layer that acts as a UV cut-off to prevent panel deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional substrates and adhesive layers are added for touch electrodes, then the device can accommodate touch functionality, but the thickness and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch electrode layer with the light guide substrate by directly forming the touch electrode layer on the light guide substrate surface, eliminating the need for separate substrates and adhesive layers. This integration maintains touch functionality while reducing structural complexity and overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide substrate serves multiple functions: it guides light from the light source, provides a surface for touch electrodes, and acts as a structural support layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
2Illumination intensity
If a traditional front light module structure is used, then illumination function is achieved, but the device lacks sterilization capability and is not thin enough
Solution Approach 1:
The light source module is designed to emit both visible light for illumination and ultraviolet light for sterilization. This multi-functional light source simultaneously provides both illumination and sterilization capabilities without requiring separate systems, thereby achieving versatility while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is divided into multiple light-emitting elements with different emission characteristics: some elements emit visible light for illumination while others emit ultraviolet light for sterilization. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function while integrating them into a single compact module.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UV light is transmitted through the light guide substrate for sterilization, then sterilization function is achieved, but UV-induced panel deterioration may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide substrate has different optical properties at different locations and layers. The front surface allows UV transmission for sterilization, while the rear surface or specific regions incorporate UV reflection or absorption characteristics to prevent UV-induced deterioration of the display panel, achieving both sterilization and protection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide substrate acts as an intermediary between the UV light source and the display panel. It transmits UV light in controlled directions for sterilization while reflecting or absorbing excessive UV that could cause panel deterioration, thereby mediating between the sterilization function and panel protection requirements.
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 module achieves sterilization by transmitting UV beams through the light guide substrate while maintaining a thin form factor, suppressing moiré generation and ensuring effective illumination even in low ambient light conditions, and preventing UV-induced panel deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
the light emitted by the light source may travel in a total internal reflection manner in the light guide panel. By disrupting the total internal reflection with the microstructure, the light is refracted toward the direction of the display
Implementation Method 2
By disrupting the total internal reflection with the microstructure, the light is refracted toward the direction of the display
Implementation Method 3
The ultraviolet light reflection layer reflects the sterilization beam
Implementation Method 4
the ultraviolet light reflection layer is sputtered on the second surface of the light guide substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A front light sterilization module and a display device including the front light sterilization module are provided. The front light sterilization module includes a light source, a light guide substrate, an ultraviolet light reflection layer, and a touch electrode layer. The light source includes a first light-emitting element for providing an illumination beam and a second light-emitting element for providing a sterilization beam. The light guide substrate is located on the transmission path of the illumination beam and the sterilization beam, wherein the light source is located at a side of the light guide substrate. The ultraviolet light reflection layer reflects the sterilization beam. The ultraviolet light reflection layer is located between the touch electrode layer and the light guide substrate.