Laminated Glazing Edge-Mounted Connection Wire Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminated glazings with switchable glass constructions require complex electrical connections for each segment, complicating the deairing process and increasing material usage around the periphery, which impedes efficient lamination and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glazing design featuring connection wires with first and second connection ends and a main portion positioned between the glass substrates' interlayers, where the first connection end is electrically connected to the switchable film, and the main portion is insulated and embedded within the interlayers, reducing the need for extensive busbar materials and simplifying the deairing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive busbar materials and complex electrical connections are used for each segment, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but the deairing process becomes complicated and material usage around the periphery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the traditional busbar system and relocates it to the edge of the laminated glazing. Connection wires are led through the edge rather than being embedded within the lamination, separating the electrical connection function from the structural lamination process. This allows the deairing process to proceed without complex electrical components in the way, while electrical connectivity is maintained through the edge-mounted connection wires.
2Reliability
If extensive busbar materials are used for electrical connections, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but material usage around the periphery increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection components are extracted from the central lamination area and positioned at the edge of the glazing. This extraction reduces the amount of material needed in the periphery of the lamination zone, simplifying both the lamination process and material usage while maintaining electrical connectivity through the edge-mounted connection system.
3Reliability
If connection wires are embedded within interlayers, then electrical connectivity is maintained with reduced periphery material, but the lamination process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection system into distinct components: connection wires that interface with the switchable film, edge-mounted connection elements, and external wiring. This segmentation allows the lamination process to focus on the glass and interlayer assembly while electrical connections are established separately at the edge, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the multi-component electrical system.
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 reduces the presence of connectors within the laminated glazing, facilitating easier deairing and lamination while minimizing material usage around the periphery, thus enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
When a PDLC material is subjected to an applied electric field, discrete formations, such as droplets of a liquid crystal(s) dispersed throughout a polymer matrix in the PDLC, assume a transparent state because the long molecular axes of the liquid crystals align in a nematic (parallel) orientation in the direction of the electric field.
Implementation Method 2
PDLC materials are typically formed by initiating polymerization of a monomer mixed with a liquid crystal(s) and then curing the polymer matrix, resulting in a phase separation of the liquid crystal into distinct domains thought the rigid polymer backbone.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a laminated glazing having an electrically connectable layer, comprising: first and second glass substrates; an electrically connectable layer; interlayers rendering the electrically connectable layer positioned between interlayers; and a connection wire having first and second connection ends and a main portion positioned between the first and second connection ends. The first connection end of the connection wire is electrically connected to the electrically connectable layer, whereas the main portion of the connection wire is positioned within the interlayers.