Bi-level Bus Bar with Dark Coating for Electro-optic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-optic devices with visible bus bars, especially those without bezels or chrome rings, suffer from aesthetically unpleasing light-colored or reflective bus bars that can be distracting to viewers, particularly in applications like heads-up displays.
Innovation Solution
A bi-level bus bar assembly is introduced, comprising a first layer of opaque or translucent dark or colored material, such as carbon black, and a second layer of conductive material, where the dark or colored material is positioned to block the view of the conductive layer, providing a visually appealing dark or colored appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional conductive bus bar is used, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to light-colored or reflective surface
Solution Approach 1:
The bus bar is divided into two distinct layers: a lower conductive layer for electrical functionality and an upper dark/colored layer for aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each layer to independently fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus bar employs a composite structure combining a conductive material (such as aluminum or copper) with a dark or colored material (such as carbon-based pigment or dark anodized coating). This composite approach integrates both electrical conductivity and aesthetic appearance in a single component.
2Ease of manufacture
If a bezel or chrome ring is added to mask the bus bar, then aesthetic appearance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aesthetic masking function is merged directly into the bus bar structure by integrating the dark/colored layer as part of the bus bar itself. This eliminates the need for separate bezels or chrome rings, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper layer of the bus bar serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic appearance by masking the reflective surface and simultaneously acts as an integral part of the electrical conductive structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the bus bar is made opaque to block light, then aesthetic appearance improves, but light transmission or reflection properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bus bar structure applies different optical properties to different layers: the lower conductive layer maintains its inherent reflective properties for electrical functionality, while the upper layer is specifically designed with dark or colored properties to provide aesthetic appearance and control light interaction locally at the visible surface.
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 effectively masks the conductive bus bar, offering an aesthetically pleasing dark or colored appearance that enhances the visual appeal of electro-optic devices by using carbon black to absorb visible light and prevent reflection, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance.
Implementation Method 1
using carbon black to absorb visible light and prevent reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optic device comprises a first substrate having a rear surface and a second substrate having a front surface opposed to the rear surface of the first surface; a cavity defined between the opposed rear surface of the first substrate and the front surface of the second substrate; a sealing member bonding first substrate and second substrate together in a spaced apart relationship; and a bi-level bus bar assembly comprising a first layer and a second layer, and disposed between the first and second substrates. The bi-level bus bar assembly extends along at least a portion of a perimeter of the electro-optic device.