Polarizing Unit for Foldable Displays with Retardation Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face issues with external light reflection and scattering, particularly in outdoor use, which obscure the original image displayed, and require a very thin antireflective film to maintain flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A polarization unit comprising multiple retardation layers with different retardation values, a polarization layer, and compensation layers positioned above and below the retardation layers, which minimizes color shift and improves flexibility by reducing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional antireflective film is attached to a foldable display device, then external light reflection and scattering are reduced, but the device cannot fold with a small curvature radius due to the film's thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The antireflective function is divided into multiple functional layers: a polarization layer and multiple compensation layers with different retardation values. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to the overall antireflection performance while maintaining flexibility, enabling the display to fold with a small curvature radius without requiring a single thick antireflective film
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a polarization layer and multiple compensation layers with different optical properties (different retardation values). This composite material approach achieves effective antireflection through the combined optical effects of multiple thin layers rather than a single thick layer, allowing the display to maintain flexibility while reducing external light reflection
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple compensation layers with different retardation values are used, then color shift is minimized and display quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of each layer including retardation values (different for each compensation layer), thickness ratios (first compensation layer thickness between 1/5 to 2/5 of the polarization layer thickness, second compensation layer thickness between 1/10 to 3/10 of the polarization layer thickness), and optical axis orientations. These parameter optimizations achieve color shift minimization while maintaining a manageable layer structure
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 suppresses color shift and enhances display quality while maintaining flexibility by optimizing the optical properties and thickness of the polarization unit.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of retardation layers that each have a different retardation value
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of retardation layers may include a first retardation layer and a second retardation layer positioned below the first retardation layer
Data Source
AI summary
A polarization unit includes a plurality of retardation layers that each have a different retardation value, a polarization layer positioned above the plurality of retardation layers, a first compensation layer positioned between the polarization layer and the plurality of retardation layers, and a second compensation layer positioned below the plurality of retardation layers.