Antireflective Electrode Stack With Covert Conduction Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optic assemblies face challenges in achieving both antireflective properties and effective electrical continuity between layers, leading to noticeable conduction wells that disrupt the uniform reflectance and color of the surrounding area.
Innovation Solution
The incorporation of an antireflective electrode stack with conductive layers, an overcoat layer, an insulating layer, and a base layer, along with conduction wells that extend through the insulating layer, providing electrical continuity while minimizing reflectance and color mismatch with the surrounding area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conduction wells are used to provide electric continuity between layers, then electrical conductivity is improved, but visibility and aesthetic appearance deteriorate due to noticeable conduction wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the conduction well properties location-dependent. The well sidewalls and floor are configured with specific reflective characteristics that differ from the surrounding antenna structure. By controlling the reflectivity, color, and texture of the conduction well surfaces locally, the well becomes visually integrated with the surrounding area while maintaining its electrical conduction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color changes by configuring the conduction well to match the color and reflectance characteristics of the surrounding antenna structure. The well sidewalls and floor are designed to reflect light in a manner that produces the same color appearance as the surrounding area, making the conduction well imperceptible to the human eye while preserving electrical continuity.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If antireflective layers are added to reduce visibility of conduction wells, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the well sidewall and floor structures to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same structural elements that provide electrical conduction also provide the reflective and color-matching properties needed for visual concealment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antireflective coating layers, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving both electrical continuity and aesthetic appearance.
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 ensures low reflectance and color consistency, making the conduction wells less noticeable and maintaining electrical continuity, suitable for applications requiring stealthy and functional electro-optic assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive oxide
Implementation Method 2
an antireflective electrode stack that includes a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive oxide, an overcoat layer in contact with the electro-optic medium and formed of a substantially transparent conductive material, an insulating layer between the conductive layer and the overcoat layer, and a base layer between the substrate and conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optic assembly includes a front substrate that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. A first electrode is coupled to the second surface and a second electrode is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic medium is in the gap. At least one of the first and second electrodes are an antireflective electrode stack including a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive oxide, an overcoat layer in contact with the electro-optic medium and formed of a substantially transparent conductive material, an insulating layer between the conductive layer and the overcoat layer, and a base layer between the substrate and conductive layer. A conduction well contains the electro-optic medium and extends through the insulating layer.