Floating Connectors for Electrochromic Window Wiring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic window systems face challenges in efficiently delivering power to electrochromic glazings through framing and related structures, leading to potential damage during installation and increased costs due to the fragility of glass panes and wiring components.
Innovation Solution
The development of connectors and electrical connection systems for optically switchable devices, including electrochromic devices, which feature a floating connector with a flange and nose, ferromagnetic elements for magnetic engagement, and pre-wired spacers with embedded wiring, allowing for flexible and secure electrical powering of electrochromic windows within insulated glass units (IGUs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wiring methods are used to deliver power to electrochromic glazings, then electrical connection can be established, but the fragility of glass panes and wiring components leads to potential damage during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a fixed connector mounted to the IGU and a floating connector attached to the wire assembly. This segmentation allows the wiring to be connected separately from the glass pane, reducing the risk of damage during installation by eliminating the need to handle both simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating connector acts as an intermediary element between the wire assembly and the fixed connector. It provides a buffer zone that absorbs installation stresses and misalignments, protecting the fragile wiring and glass pane from direct mechanical stress during the connection process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid wiring structures are used, then structural stability is achieved, but flexibility in installation and positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The floating connector is designed to be movable relative to the fixed connector, allowing dynamic adjustment during installation. The wire assembly with the floating connector can be positioned and connected after the IGU is mounted, providing installation flexibility while maintaining electrical connection stability once connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in positioning and orientation during installation. The floating connector can be adjusted to accommodate variations in mounting positions and wiring routes, enabling adaptation to different installation scenarios while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
3Reliability
If complex connector designs are used to ensure secure electrical connection, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into two simple components: a fixed connector with mounting holes and a floating connector with exposed contacts. This segmentation simplifies the design of each individual component while achieving secure electrical connection through their配合, avoiding the need for a single complex connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating connector design allows for self-alignment and self-connection during installation. The exposed contacts on the floating connector naturally align with the corresponding terminals on the fixed connector, enabling straightforward connection without requiring complex alignment mechanisms or tools.
4Ease of manufacture
If wiring is directly attached to the IGU, then electrical connection is established, but the risk of damage to glass panes and wiring increases during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection process is segmented into two independent steps: first mounting the fixed connector to the IGU, then separately connecting the wire assembly with the floating connector. This segmentation eliminates the need to handle both the glass pane and wiring simultaneously, reducing the risk of damage to either component during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed connector serves as an intermediary mounting element that provides a secure attachment point on the IGU without requiring direct attachment of wiring to the glass pane. This intermediary structure protects the glass from mechanical stress during wiring installation while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
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
These solutions enhance the reliability and ease of installation by reducing the risk of wiring damage, providing flexible power delivery, and enabling efficient electrical communication between electrochromic devices and controllers, thereby improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of electrochromic window systems.
Implementation Method 1
The second connector further includes a second ferromagnetic element, which itself may be magnetized. At least one of the first and second ferromagnetic elements is magnetized such that the first and second connectors may magnetically engage one another to provide electrical communication between their respective contacts.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity. Pre-wired spacers improve fabrication efficiency and seal integrity of insulated glass units. Electrical connection systems include those embedded in the secondary seal of the insulated glass unit.