Electrochromic Glass Edge Conduction for Vacuum Seal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochromic vacuum glass production methods involve electrodes connected to conductive layers with leads, which compromise the vacuum seal and product quality.

Innovation Solution

The electrodes are arranged on transparent substrates with a functional stacked layer including conductive, electrochromic, and ion-blocking layers, and sealed without internal leads, using conductive materials with varying resistances to ensure current flow and maintain vacuum integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrodes are directly extended into electrochromic elements and connected to conductive layers with leads, then electrical connection is achieved, but vacuum seal integrity and sealing performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum seal integrityVSAvoidelectrode connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the lead structure from the electrochromic device, extracting the problematic element that compromised vacuum seal integrity. The electrodes are designed to connect directly to conductive layers without requiring external leads, thereby eliminating the source of sealing failures while maintaining electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrode structure with the conductive layer, integrating two previously separate components into a unified structure. The electrodes are directly formed as part of the conductive layer assembly, eliminating the need for separate lead connections and improving both sealing performance and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If leads are used to connect electrodes to conductive layers, then electrical connection is established, but production complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction process simplicityVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the lead component from the manufacturing process, eliminating the complex steps required to install and seal leads. This extraction directly simplifies production while simultaneously improving sealing performance by removing the lead-related sealing weaknesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the electrode-conductive layer connection into an integrated structure where electrodes are formed directly as part of the conductive layer assembly. This segmentation eliminates the need for separate lead installation steps, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable electrical connection and sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional electrode connection methods are used, then electrical functionality is achieved, but product quality and performance consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct quality consistencyVSAvoidelectrode arrangement structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges electrode formation with conductive layer deposition, creating a unified manufacturing process that ensures consistent product quality. The electrodes are formed directly during the conductive layer deposition process, eliminating variations introduced by separate lead installation and ensuring uniform electrical connection and sealing across all products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the manufacturing parameters by integrating electrode formation into the conductive layer deposition process. This parameter change ensures consistent material composition and structural properties, leading to uniform product quality and performance while simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method simplifies production, maintains vacuum seal integrity, and enhances product quality with uniform color change and improved sound insulation, thermal performance, and reduced thermal conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

Electrochromism refers to a phenomenon of stably and reversibly color change of optical attributes (reflectivity, transmittance, absorptivity, etc.) under the action of an external electric field.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

the first conductive material is arranged in the first exposed area, the end of the second conductive layer that is away from the first exposed area is provided with the first conductive material. A second conductive material is arranged between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, the second conductive material is arranged along the periphery of the functional stacked layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4027191B1Electrochromic glass and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NANTONG FANHUA NEW MATERIALS TECH CO LTD
  • EP4027191B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4027191B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Provided is an electrochromic glass, relating to the field of electrochromic glass. The electrochromic glass includes a first transparent substrate (100), a second transparent substrate (200) and a functional stacked layer. The functional stacked layer includes a first conductive layer (105), an electrochromic stacked layer (110) and a second conductive layer (115), wherein the first conductive layer (105), the electrochromic stacked layer (110) and the second conductive layer (115) are sequentially arranged on the first transparent substrate (100) and are located between the first transparent substrate (100) and the second transparent substrate (200). The first conductive layer (105) is provided with a first exposed area, a first conductive material (130) is arranged in the first exposed area, and the end of the second conductive layer (115) that is away from the first exposed area is provided with the first conductive material (130). A second conductive material (135) is arranged between the first transparent substrate (110) and the second transparent substrate (200). The second conductive material (135) is arranged along the periphery of the functional stacked layer, the second conductive material (135) is in contact with the first conductive material (130), and the second conductive material (135) is in sealed connection with both the first transparent substrate (100) and the second transparent substrate (200).