Patterned Conductive Film Heater for Uniform Current Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductive members fail to simultaneously achieve heat generation and efficient transmission of electromagnetic waves in specific frequency bands due to local deterioration issues, such as oxidation, when energized for heating, which affects their durability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A conductive member with a regular repeating pattern of non-conductive portions formed by elongated base units connected at a connection point, where the direction of the line segment connecting closest non-conductive portions differs from the directions of the base units, and the non-conductive portions are strategically placed to distribute current uniformly, preventing local heat concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conductive member is energized to generate heat, then heat generation function is achieved, but local heat concentration occurs causing deterioration such as oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive film is segmented by forming non-conductive portions that divide the continuous conductive path into multiple sections. This segmentation distributes the current flow across different paths, preventing local heat concentration and the associated deterioration such as oxidation at specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive portions are strategically positioned at specific locations where current concentration would occur. These non-conductive portions locally modify the electrical properties by creating gaps that force current to distribute evenly across the conductive film, thereby preventing local heat generation and deterioration.
2Reliability
If non-conductive portions are formed to distribute current uniformly, then local deterioration is suppressed, but electromagnetic wave transmission in specific frequency bands is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shape, size, and arrangement parameters of the non-conductive portions are carefully optimized. By adjusting these parameters, the design achieves a balance where current distribution is improved for durability while the impact on electromagnetic wave transmission in specific frequency bands is minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive member employs a composite structure combining conductive and non-conductive portions in a specific pattern. This composite design allows simultaneous achievement of uniform current distribution for durability and controlled electromagnetic wave transmission characteristics.
3Reliability
If gap between non-conductive portions is widened to avoid current concentration, then local heat generation is reduced, but transmittance of electromagnetic wave decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply widening gaps, the invention optimizes multiple parameters including the shape, size, and arrangement of non-conductive portions. This multi-parameter optimization achieves current distribution benefits while maintaining electromagnetic wave transmission performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-conductive portions are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern rather than simply increasing linear gap distances. This dimensional arrangement allows current distribution without excessively reducing electromagnetic wave transmission paths.
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 design effectively suppresses local deterioration while maintaining heat generation and electromagnetic wave transmission in specific frequency bands, enhancing the durability and performance of the conductive member.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive member comprises: an electrode pad for applying a voltage to the conductive film... in a case where the metal mesh is energized to generate heat, a current intensively flows through the plurality of non-conductive portions such that local heat generation occurs
Implementation Method 2
a conductive member having transmittance with respect to an electromagnetic wave in a specific frequency band... an electromagnetic wave in a frequency band different from the frequency band of the electromagnetic wave that is transmitted and received by the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A conductive member (11) includes an electrode pad (14) for applying a voltage to a conductive film (13), in which a plurality of non-conductive portions (16) that are arranged to form a regular repeating pattern are formed in the conductive film (13), each of the plurality of non-conductive portions (16) include a plurality of base units having an elongated shape that are connected to each other at a connection point (C1) and extend from the connection point (C1) in different directions, and a direction in which a line segment that connects the connection points (C1) of the two non-conductive portions (16) closest to each other among the plurality of non-conductive portions (16) extends is different from each of the directions in which the plurality of base units extend.