Multilayer Vapor-Deposited Coating for Expanded Color Variety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum deposited coatings for substrates are limited in the variety of colors they can provide, typically offering only a few options such as gold, brass, black, rose gold, chrome, blue, and silver.

Innovation Solution

A coating comprising a first vapor phase deposition layer reflecting a first color and a second vapor phase deposition layer reflecting a second color, with the thickness of the second layer adjusted to produce a third color through interference-based color mixing, allowing for a wider range of colors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single vapor phase deposition layer is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the color variety is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor varietyVSAvoidcoating structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coating is divided into multiple vapor phase deposition layers, each with specific thickness ranges, to achieve different color effects. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer's optical properties while maintaining overall color variety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple vapor phase deposition layers with different material compositions and thicknesses to create a composite coating structure. This composite approach enables the coating to reflect multiple wavelengths of light, producing a broader color palette than single-layer coatings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vapor phase deposition layers are used, then color variety is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor varietyVSAvoidlayer thickness control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise thickness ranges for each vapor phase deposition layer (e.g., first layer: 5-50 nm, second layer: 50-200 nm, third layer: 200-500 nm) to control optical interference effects. By defining these parameter ranges, the invention balances color variety achievement with manufacturability, allowing sufficient tolerance while maintaining desired optical 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 achieves a diverse palette of colors by combining the reflective properties of the layers, enabling a uniform appearance with hues varying from light blue to dark yellow, enhancing applications like camouflage and aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

A thickness of the second vapor phase deposition layer is adjusted such that the coating reflects light having a third color different from the first color and the second color

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

the first vapor phase deposition layer reflects light having a first color. The coating further comprises a second vapor phase deposition layer deposited on the first vapor phase deposition layer, wherein the second vapor phase deposition layer reflects light having a second color

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The coating comprises a first vapor phase deposition layer for depositing on the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor phase deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP4640916A1Coating for a substrate; substrate; and article
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 IHI IONBOND AG
  • EP4640916A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4640916A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4640916A1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a coating for a substrate, the coating comprising: a first vapor phase deposition layer for depositing on the substrate, wherein the first vapor phase deposition layer reflects light having a first color; and a second vapor phase deposition layer deposited on the first vapor phase deposition layer, wherein the second vapor phase deposition layer reflects light having a second color different from the first color; wherein a thickness of the second vapor phase deposition layer is adjusted such that the coating reflects light having a third color different from the first color and the second color.