Transparent Plate Antifouling Layer Haze Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transparent plates for touch pads and touch panels with function layers containing fine particles of 1-100 μm diameter result in high haze values, limiting the tactile sensation and transparency.
Innovation Solution
A transparent plate with a fluorine-based antifouling layer on a glass substrate featuring a fine projecting and recessed structure with a surface roughness of 2.0-100 nm, maintaining a haze value of 2% or less and an index X of 0.5 or more, which enhances tactile sensation while maintaining low haze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fine particles with average grain diameters of 1-100 μm are included in function layers to achieve high hardness and prevent sticking, then the tactile sensation is improved, but the haze value increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter from conventional 1-100 μm to 0.1-10 μm, and specifically introduces ultrafine particles with 0.01-1 μm diameter. This parameter change allows achieving the desired hardness and tactile properties while minimizing light scattering that causes haze, thus resolving the contradiction between tactile sensation and transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material approach by combining multiple types of inorganic fine particles (such as silicon oxide, alumina, titania) with specific size distributions. This composite structure provides both the hardness needed for scratch resistance and the appropriate surface properties for tactile sensation, while the controlled particle size distribution minimizes haze formation.
2Ease of operation
If fine particles are used to provide tactile sensation, then the surface properties are improved, but the transparency deteriorates due to high haze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by reducing particle diameter to 0.01-10 μm range, with emphasis on ultrafine particles of 0.01-1 μm. This size reduction maintains surface texture for tactile feedback while minimizing light scattering effects, thereby preserving transparency and resolving the contradiction between tactile sensation and optical clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a surface layer with specific particle distribution and concentration that provides tactile properties, while the bulk material maintains high transparency. The fine particles are concentrated at the surface to provide tactile sensation without significantly affecting overall light transmission through the plate.
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 unique tactile sensation different from conventional transparent plates while maintaining low haze values, improving the transparency and functionality of touch pads and touch panels.
Implementation Method 1
the antifouling layer including fluorine
Implementation Method 2
a surface of the transparent substrate including a fine projecting and recessed structure with a surface roughness Ra of 2.0-100 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent plate includes a transparent substrate and an antifouling layer. A surface of the transparent substrate includes a fine projecting and recessed structure with a surface roughness of 2.0-100 nm. The antifouling layer includes fluorine, and at least a part of the antifouling layer is formed on a position of the fine projecting and recessed structure. A haze value of the transparent plate at the position of the fine projecting and recessed structure is 2% or less. A value of X defined by (S1−S2)/(S3−S2) is 0.5 or more, where S1, S2 and S3 are F-Kα line strengths of the transparent plate at the position of the fine projecting and recessed structure, a reference glass plate that does not include fluorine, and a reference aluminosilicate glass plate that includes fluorine of 2 wt %, respectively, and S1, S2 and S3 are measured by a fluorescent X-ray measurement device.