Silsesquioxane Cover Layer for Low-Reflectivity Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in improving external visibility and mechanical characteristics, particularly in flexible display devices, due to issues with external light reflectivity and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A cover layer comprising multiple layers of silsesquioxanes with specific functional groups and thicknesses, including a PET base layer, a random-type silsesquioxane layer with ether functional groups, and a perfluoroalkyl and cage-type silsesquioxane layer with fluorine-based ether functional groups, to control external light reflectivity and enhance mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional cover layer structure is used, then the display device has basic protection, but external light reflectivity is high which reduces visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The cover layer is divided into multiple functional layers: a base layer (first layer) providing mechanical support, a middle layer (second layer) with random-type silsesquoxane containing ether functional groups for intermediate optical properties, and a top layer (third layer) with cage-type silsesquoxane containing fluorine-based ether functional groups for low reflectivity. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, achieving overall low external light reflectivity while maintaining structural integrity and visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cover layer is made thinner to improve flexibility, then flexibility improves, but mechanical strength and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The cover layer employs a composite structure combining organic PET base layer with inorganic silsesquoxane-based layers. The base layer provides flexibility and mechanical support, while the silsesquoxane layers contribute hardness, scratch resistance, and optical properties. This composite material approach allows the cover layer to achieve both flexibility for bendable/rollable displays and sufficient mechanical strength for durability, resolving the contradiction between thinness/flexibility and strength.
3Reliability
If a single-layer cover structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot simultaneously achieve low reflectivity, high hardness, and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
Each layer in the cover layer structure is designed with specific local quality: the base layer has high mechanical strength and flexibility, the middle layer has intermediate optical properties and good adhesion, and the top layer has low refractive index for reduced light reflectivity. By assigning different functional properties to different locations (layers) of the cover structure, the invention achieves comprehensive performance including low reflectivity, high hardness, and flexibility, while the systematic design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
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 cover layer improves visibility by reducing external light reflectivity and enhances mechanical characteristics, allowing the display device to be flexible and durable, suitable for applications like bendable, rollable, or foldable displays.
Implementation Method 1
A refractive index of the third layer may be in a range of 1.36 to 1.41... A reflectivity of the cover layer may be about 1.4% to about 1.6% with respect to light of 550 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A cover layer for a display device includes: a first layer forming a base; a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer including a random-type silsesquioxane including an ether functional group; and a third layer disposed on the second layer. The third layer includes a random-type silsesquioxane including a perfluoroalkyl functional group and a cage-type silsesquioxane including a fluorine-based ether functional group.