Optical Substrate Coatings via Inkjet Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Producing multi-functional coated optical substrates with photochromic materials is challenging due to issues like refractive index matching, mechanical properties, and integration of multiple functionalities, which can compromise coating performance and lead to technological hurdles such as excessive viscosity and surface tension in inkjet formulations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of anti-wetting formulations and nanoparticles to control the refractive index and prevent spreading or coalescing of functional ink dots, allowing for precise positioning and interdispersion of functional ink dots with different functionalities on optical substrates, including curved surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functional materials are integrated into a single inkjet formulation, then multi-functionality is achieved, but viscosity and surface tension become excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidviscosity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the functional materials into separate inkjet formulations, with each formulation containing a specific functional material (e.g., photochromic material, anti-scratch material). This segmentation allows each formulation to have optimized viscosity and surface tension properties without the complications of combining multiple functional materials in a single formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple separate inkjet formulations onto the optical substrate in a layered manner, where each formulation provides a different functionality. The formulations are applied in a controlled sequence to achieve multi-functionality while maintaining the beneficial properties of each individual formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If functional ink dots are positioned precisely on curved optical surfaces, then manufacturing precision is improved, but coating performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcoating performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different formulations with specific functional properties to specific locations on the optical substrate. Each functional material is positioned precisely where needed and is formulated to perform its specific function optimally in that local context, whether on curved or flat surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the physical and chemical parameters of the inkjet formulations to be suitable for deposition on curved optical surfaces. This includes modifying viscosity, surface tension, and other properties to ensure proper flow, positioning, and adhesion on non-planar surfaces while maintaining coating performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If refractive index matching is achieved, then optical quality is improved, but mechanical properties may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical qualityVSAvoidmechanical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material formulations that combine multiple components to achieve both optical quality and mechanical properties. Each formulation is designed as a composite system where the refractive index is optimized for optical performance while other components provide mechanical strength, scratch resistance, and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This approach enables the successful printing of interdispersed or interlaced sets of functional ink dots on various optical substrates, maintaining optical quality, mechanical durability, and photochromic performance while addressing the challenges of refractive index matching and mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

use of anti-wetting formulations and nanoparticles to control the refractive index and prevent spreading or coalescing of functional ink dots

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnti-wetting: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

use of anti-wetting formulations and nanoparticles to control the refractive index

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefractive index control: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

multi-functional coated optical substrates with photochromic materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotochromism: Photochromism

Data Source

PatentUS20240111079A1Coated optical substrates

Publication Date: 2024.04.04 FLO OPTICS LTD

AI summary

Optical devices having multi-functional coatings.