Inkjet Optical Interference Coating for Anti-Reflection and Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display products face issues with light leakage and diffused reflection at the boundary between anti-reflection and non-anti-reflection regions, compromising both anti-reflection and design properties, and there is a need to integrate sensors without inhibiting their functionality.

Innovation Solution

A coating member comprising a substrate layer with an optical interference layer formed by an inkjet method, having specific thickness and refractive index relationships, allowing for both anti-reflection and design properties, and enabling integration of sensors without visibility impairment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different film materials are used for anti-reflection film and design layer, then anti-reflection property and design property can be provided, but light leakage and diffused reflection occur at the boundary portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign propertyVSAvoidlight leakage and diffused reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the anti-reflection function and design function into a single integrated optical interference layer. This layer simultaneously provides anti-reflection properties through its optical interference characteristics and design properties through controlled thickness variations and patterning, eliminating the boundary interface that causes light leakage and diffused reflection in conventional multi-layer structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical interference layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an anti-reflection coating, provides design aesthetics through thickness variation, and enables sensor functionality. This multi-functional layer replaces the need for separate anti-reflection film and design layer, resolving the boundary interface problem while maintaining all required properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If anti-reflection film and design layer are formed separately, then both functions can be achieved, but the interface matching between display region and non-display region becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-reflection property and design propertyVSAvoidinterface matching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anti-reflection film and design layer into a single optical interference layer formed by inkjet coating. This unified structure eliminates the need for complex interface matching between separate layers and regions, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining both anti-reflection and design properties throughout the display surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical interference layer employs local quality variation through controlled thickness changes in different regions. By adjusting the thickness of the optical interference layer locally, the patent achieves both anti-reflection properties in display regions and design properties in non-display regions within a single continuous layer, avoiding interface matching complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are integrated into the display, then sensor functionality is provided, but the outermost layer may inhibit sensor functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor integrationVSAvoidsensor functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical interference layer is designed to be multi-functional, serving as both the outermost protective and aesthetic layer while simultaneously allowing sensor functions to operate. The layer's optical interference properties and controlled thickness enable it to transmit necessary signals and maintain sensor functionality while providing anti-reflection and design properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the optical interference layer, specifically thickness variation and refractive index control, to optimize both sensor functionality and optical properties. By carefully controlling the thickness and material composition of the optical interference layer, the patent enables sensor signals to pass through while maintaining anti-reflection and design properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 coating member achieves superior anti-reflection and design properties with reduced light leakage and reflection, supports sensor functionality, and provides high coating accuracy and mechanical durability.

Implementation Method 1

an optical interference layer which is formed from an optical interference layer-forming composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP3974068B1Coating member and production method for coating member
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 NIPPON PAINT AUTOMOTIVE COATINGS
  • EP3974068B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3974068B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3974068B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided is a coating member having improved both in anti-reflection property and design property. The present invention provides a coating member comprising a substrate layer and an optical interference layer formed from an optical interference layer-forming composition, wherein the optical interference layer is disposed on at least a part of a viewing side surface of the substrate layer, the optical interference layer is in a range of more than 0 nm and less than or equal to 600 nm, the optical interference layer has a relationship of 0.08 < (a refractive index of the substrate layer) - (a refractive index of the optical interference layer) < 0.45, the optical interference layer-forming composition is a composition for inkjet coating, and the optical interference layer is an optical interference layer formed by an inkjet method.