UV Pattern Forming Method Using Inkjet Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for enhancing the aesthetic design of bezels on display devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are complex and involve multiple process steps, including UV molding, vapor deposition, and etching, which complicate the formation of reflective metallic patterns.

Innovation Solution

A method using inkjet printing to form a UV pattern by incorporating metal particles into UV curable ink, allowing for the creation of metallic luster patterns in a single process, eliminating the need for sequential lamination and etching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If UV molding method and vapor deposition process are used to form UV pattern layer and reflective pattern layer separately, then metallic luster and aesthetic design are improved, but process complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic designVSAvoidprocess steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the UV pattern layer formation and reflective pattern layer formation into a single inkjet printing process. The UV curable ink contains metal particles that serve dual purposes: forming the UV pattern structure and providing the reflective metallic effect. This merging eliminates the need for separate UV molding and vapor deposition processes, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining aesthetic quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite ink formulation containing UV curable polymer and metal particles. This composite material allows simultaneous achievement of UV patterning and reflective effect in a single application, eliminating the need for multiple separate layers and processes while maintaining both functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple layers (UV pattern layer, reflective pattern layer, printed layer) are laminated sequentially, then aesthetic design and metallic feeling are enhanced, but manufacturing time and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic designVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the formation of UV pattern layer and reflective pattern layer into a single inkjet printing and curing step. By incorporating metal particles directly into the UV curable ink, the process eliminates sequential lamination steps and reduces manufacturing time while achieving the same aesthetic effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If reflective pattern layer is formed by deposition process and then etching is performed to remove excess, then precise pattern formation is achieved, but process complexity and potential damage to underlying layers increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern formation precisionVSAvoidetching process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the need for the etching process by incorporating metal particles directly into the UV curable ink. The metal particles are deposited only where the UV pattern is formed, eliminating the need to form a broader reflective layer and then selectively remove excess material through etching. This approach maintains precision while eliminating the complex and potentially damaging etching step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 simplifies the process by forming a UV pattern with metallic luster in a single inkjet patterning step, achieving a visually recognizable metallic effect without the complexity of multiple layer lamination and etching.

Implementation Method 1

inkjet printing an ultraviolet curable ink containing metal particles on a non-display area of a cover window for a display to form a UV pattern; and curing the UV pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV curing: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

adding metal particles serving as a reflective pattern layer into a UV curable ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11447647B2UV pattern forming method using inkjet printing, bezel manufacturing method including same, and bezel manufactured according thereto

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

A method for forming a UV pattern using inkjet printing, which enables to form a hairline or pattern having metallic luster in a single inkjet patterning process, a method for manufacturing a bezel comprising the same, and a bezel manufactured thereby are disclosed. The method for forming a UV pattern using inkjet printing comprises the steps of a) inkjet printing an ultraviolet curable ink containing metal particles in a non-display area of a cover window for a display to form a UV pattern; and b) curing the UV pattern. The bezel can be used in various fields such as a touch panel, a protective film for an optical disc, and the like.