Electroluminescent System With Doped Metal Oxide Conductive Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electroluminescent (EL) technology faces challenges in achieving enhanced conductivity and durability while minimizing complexity, particularly due to the complexity of applying multiple layers with precise material and pressure requirements.

Innovation Solution

An electroluminescent system comprising a glass substrate with a conductive coating of doped metal oxide and an electroluminescent coating with conductive layers, designed to emit light when an electrical current is supplied, which includes a dielectric layer and optional protective layers to enhance durability and conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate layers are applied with precise material and pressure requirements, then the electroluminescent system achieves proper functionality, but the manufacturing complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectroluminescent system functionalityVSAvoidcoating process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate coating layers into a single integrated electroluminescent coating that contains both the dielectric material and the electroluminescent material. This merging approach maintains the functional requirements of having distinct dielectric and phosphor layers while eliminating the complexity of applying them separately with precise pressure and material control for each layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structure where the electroluminescent coating is formulated as a composite containing both dielectric particles and electroluminescent phosphor particles in a binder matrix. This composite approach allows both functional components to be applied simultaneously in a single coating process while maintaining their distinct functional properties when the coating is cured and the binder is removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional conductive coatings are used, then the system structure is simpler, but the conductivity and durability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductivity and durabilityVSAvoidconductive layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the properties of metal oxide coatings by doping them with specific elements to change their electrical conductivity parameters. By controlling the doping concentration and type, the conductive coating achieves the required conductivity levels for electroluminescent operation while maintaining the durability and adhesion properties of the metal oxide base material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite conductive layers formed by combining metal oxide particles with conductive materials or dopants. This composite structure enhances the electrical conductivity of the otherwise insulating metal oxide while preserving its mechanical durability and adhesion to the substrate, achieving both conductivity and durability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 system achieves improved conductivity and long-term durability with reduced complexity by utilizing a doped metal oxide conductive layer and optimized layer structures, enhancing performance and allowing for larger system sizes.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically conductive coating including a first electrically conductive layer formed of a doped metal oxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoping: Dopants

Implementation Method 2

the electroluminescent layer is configured to emit light when an electrical current is supplied to the first and second electrically conductive layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4176696B1Electroluminescent system and process
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 PILKINGTON GRP LTD
  • EP4176696B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4176696B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4176696B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and process for producing an electroluminescent device. One or more coatings and layers are applied onto a glass substrate to produce such electroluminescent device that emits electroluminescent light upon application of an electrical current. More particularly, the electroluminescent device includes a doped metal oxide layer to enhance conductivity and durability thereof.