Optical Film Micro/Nano-Structure Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for achieving a color or graphic gradient effect in products, such as electronic device casings and vehicle films, suffer from low resolution, instability, and high costs, particularly when using color mixing, magnetic powders, or other techniques.
Innovation Solution
An optical film with a micro/nano-structure layer featuring grooves on a support, filled with materials like ink or metallic materials, which creates a visual gradient by adjusting the area ratio, depth, period, or density of the micro/nano-structure, allowing for color, transmittance, or reflectivity gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If printing different inks with printing technology is used to generate gradient by color mixing, then a color gradient effect is achieved, but the resolution of the product is not high enough and appearance of dot pattern occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical structure from macro-scale printing to micro/nano-scale structures. By controlling the size, shape, and distribution of micro/nano structures (with dimensions in the micrometer to nanometer range), it achieves gradient effects through structural parameters rather than ink mixing, thereby eliminating dot patterns and improving resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical printing process with a structural optical approach. Instead of physically depositing different ink layers, it uses micro/nano structures to manipulate light through optical interference, diffraction, or scattering effects, achieving gradient effects without the limitations of printing resolution.
2Ease of manufacture
If a pulling method is used to obtain a color gradient effect, then a gradient is achieved, but the product formed will be instable between graphics and have poor repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs precisely controllable parameters including micro/nano structure dimensions (height, width, depth), spacing, density, and arrangement patterns. These parameters can be accurately controlled during fabrication processes such as photolithography, nanoimprint, or self-assembly, ensuring consistent and repeatable gradient effects across different production batches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the gradient effect into discrete micro/nano structural units that can be independently controlled and positioned. By segmenting the gradient into controllable structural elements with specific geometries and distributions, it achieves stable and reproducible results that are not dependent on continuous mechanical processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If magnetic powder materials are used to achieve a color gradient effect, then a gradient effect is achieved, but the cost is excessively high, resulting in a high price as industrial production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive magnetic powder materials with cost-effective micro/nano structures that can be fabricated using standard semiconductor or polymer processing techniques. The micro/nano structures themselves serve as the functional element, eliminating the need for costly specialty materials while achieving the desired optical gradient effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves gradient effects by varying structural parameters (size, shape, spacing, density of micro/nano features) rather than using expensive gradient materials. This parameter-based approach allows for cost-effective fabrication using conventional manufacturing processes such as photolithography, electrospinning, or self-assembly methods.
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 provides a high-resolution, aesthetically pleasing gradient effect without dot patterns or instability, while being cost-effective for industrial production, suitable for decorative and practical applications in electronic devices and automotive glass.
Implementation Method 1
a micro/nano-structure layer, which is formed by providing grooves on one surface of the support, which grooves form a micro/nano-structure and are provided with a filler; wherein the micro/nano-structure layer has a visual gradient in at least one direction
Implementation Method 2
the filler material is one or more selected from an ink, a coloring material, a dyeing material, a metallic material, a reflective material, or a material having a refractive index difference
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an optical film and a cover plate for an electronic device. The optical film comprises: a support; a micro/nano-structure layer which is formed by providing a groove on a surface of the support, which groove forms a micro/nano-structure and is provided with a filler; wherein the micro/nanostructure layer has a visual gradient in at least one direction. The present invention provides an optical film, which realizes a visual change or a gradient effect, by adjusting the area ratio of the micro/nano-structure, the depth of the groove, the period of the micro/nano-structure or the density of the micro/nano-structure, and produces a decorative or practical effect. It plays an aesthetic role when used in the casing of an electronic device, and it can shade light but not block the sight line when used in buildings or automotive glass. Furthermore, no black spots will appear with this structure, and it is visually more artistic.