Laminated Anti-Fogging Insert With Low-Reflection Conductive Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-fogging technologies for visors and goggles suffer from high reflection and visibility issues due to the use of materials like indium tin oxide (ITO) with a high refractive index, leading to reduced visibility during fogging conditions.

Innovation Solution

A laminated anti-fogging insert comprising a flexible transparent film with metal strips, a conductive layer sandwiched between index-matching layers, and electrical connectors, which reduces reflection by using transparent conducting oxides and index-matching materials to achieve a refractive index offset, thereby minimizing internal reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If organic EL luminous layers and charge generation layers are disposed in an alternating manner, then charge balance and luminous efficiency are improved, but the number of layers increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge balanceVSAvoidnumber of layers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the charge generation layer and organic EL luminous layer into a single integrated layer that performs both functions: generating charges through photocatalysis and emitting light through electroluminescence. This merging eliminates the need for separate alternating layers while maintaining charge balance and luminous efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional layer that simultaneously serves as both a charge generation layer and an organic EL luminous layer. This layer contains photocatalysts for charge generation and electroluminescent materials for light emission, allowing one layer to perform multiple functions that previously required separate layers.

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

2Reliability

If multiple alternating layers are used to improve charge balance, then luminous efficiency increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminous efficiencyVSAvoidlayer formation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional layers into a single layer, eliminating the need for precise formation of multiple alternating layers. This single integrated layer can be formed with standard manufacturing precision while achieving the same luminous efficiency that previously required multiple precisely-formed layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Within the single integrated layer, the patent uses segmentation by incorporating distinct functional components (photocatalysts and electroluminescent materials) in specific regions or compositions, allowing the layer to perform multiple functions without requiring multiple separate physical layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional sputtering or vacuum evaporation methods are used, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision and productivity are insufficient for large-area substrates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelarge-area film formation precisionVSAvoidformation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical deposition methods (sputtering, vacuum evaporation) with inkjet printing technology. This substitution enables precise material deposition on large-area substrates through digital control, achieving both high manufacturing precision and high productivity through rapid printing speeds and direct-write capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the deposition method from physical vapor deposition to liquid-based inkjet printing, altering the state of materials from vapor to liquid droplets. This parameter change enables controlled deposition of functional materials on large-area flexible substrates with high precision and speed, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.

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 solution effectively reduces internal reflections, maintaining clear visibility by heating the visor or goggles to prevent fogging without significant interference, enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

the photocatalyst has been photocatalytically excited by light to generate holes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoexcitation: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an organic compound having electron-donating capability is used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron donation: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

an organic EL element in which at least one organic EL luminous layer contains a photocatalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3768105B1Laminated Anti-fogging insert
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 DIAMOND COATINGS LTD
  • EP3768105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3768105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3768105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a laminated substrate for use as an anti-fogging insert for an eye shield, more particularly for use as a heated anti-fogging insert for a visor or goggles.