Thin Anti-Reflection Film for Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-reflection films for foldable display devices are limited by their thickness, which affects their adhesion and bendability, leading to delamination issues when the devices are folded at smaller curvature radii.
Innovation Solution
A thin anti-reflection film structure is developed, comprising a base film with a retardation coating layer and a polarizer coating layer formed using liquid crystals, along with optional over-coating layers for improved adhesion and optical properties, allowing for better light phase delay and polarization, thereby enhancing image clarity and reducing reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional anti-reflection film with thickness of about 100 um is used, then the adhesion to the display device is maintained, but the bendability and curvature radius are affected, causing delamination after repeated bendings/foldings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a thin-film structure (total thickness about 25 um or less) instead of conventional thick films (100 um). The anti-reflection film is constructed with multiple ultra-thin layers including a base film (5-20 um), retardation coating layer (1-5 um), and polarizer coating layer (1-5 um), enabling flexible bending and folding without delamination while maintaining adhesion reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite multi-layer structure combining different materials with specific optical properties: a base film (polymer or metal oxide), a retardation coating layer with liquid crystal molecules for phase delay, and a polarizer coating layer for polarization. This composite structure achieves both adhesion reliability and bendability that single-material films cannot provide.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the anti-reflection film is made thinner to improve bendability, then the curvature radius can be reduced, but the adhesion to the foldable display device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite multi-layer structure where each layer contributes specific properties: the base film provides mechanical support and adhesion, the retardation coating layer (1-5 um) provides optical phase delay, and the polarizer coating layer (1-5 um) provides polarization. This composite design enables ultra-thin total thickness (25 um or less) while maintaining adhesion reliability through the synergistic combination of materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different local functions to different layers: the base film layer is optimized for adhesion and mechanical strength, the intermediate retardation layer for optical phase control, and the polarizer layer for polarization. This local optimization allows each layer to be thin while collectively providing both adhesion and bendability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thin anti-reflection film structure is used to improve bendability and reduce curvature radius, then foldability is enhanced, but the adhesion to the display device is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flexible thin-film structure with total thickness of about 25 um or less, comprising a base film (5-20 um), retardation coating layer (1-5 um), and polarizer coating layer (1-5 um). This thin-film design enables the display device to be folded at small curvature radii while maintaining adhesion through optimized material selection and layer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite multi-layer structure where the base film (polymer or metal oxide), retardation coating layer with liquid crystal molecules, and polarizer coating layer work together. The composite structure provides both the mechanical flexibility needed for folding and the adhesion reliability required for durable attachment to the display device.
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 thin anti-reflection film structure improves the adhesion and bendability of foldable display devices, allowing them to be folded at smaller curvature radii without delamination, while maintaining high transmittance and image clarity by effectively managing external light reflection.
Implementation Method 1
a retardation coating layer disposed on a first side of the base film so as to delay a phase of transmitted light
Implementation Method 2
the retardation coating layer and the polarizer coating layer are formed by applying a liquid crystal on the base film
Implementation Method 3
a polarizer coating layer disposed on a second side of the base film so as to allow a polarization component of the transmitted light in a specific direction to pass through
Implementation Method 4
The anti-reflection film absorbs externally reflected and scattered light, and allows only the image displayed on the display device to be transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
A display device is provided. The display device includes an anti-reflection film. The anti-reflection film includes a base film, a retardation coating layer disposed on a first side of the base film so as to delay a phase of transmitted light, and a polarizer coating layer disposed on a second side of the base film so as to allow a polarization component of the transmitted light in a specific direction to pass through, wherein the retardation coating layer and the polarizer coating layer are formed by applying a liquid crystal on the base film.