Electroconductive Glazing Patterns With Localized Wet-On-Wet Thickening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing electroconductive patterns on glazing, such as those used in motor vehicle windows, struggle to achieve the required thicknesses in specific areas like the central portion while maintaining network resistance, especially under stringent temperature cycling tests, and require multiple printing steps and additional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method combining screenprinting with digital printing to deposit a second electroconductive layer on a still-wet first layer, followed by a heat treatment, allowing for extra thickness in desired areas without affecting network resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dual screenprinting is used to achieve thicker electroconductive patterns in the central portion, then the thickness requirement is met, but the device complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electroconductive pattern deposition into two distinct phases: a first screenprinting step that deposits paste across the entire glazing surface, and a second digital printing step that selectively deposits additional paste only in the central portion where extra thickness is required. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, existing screenprinting equipment while adding only the necessary digital printing capability for localized thickening, rather than requiring complete dual screenprinting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using digital printing to deposit electroconductive paste selectively only in the central portion of the glazing where extra thickness is needed, while the lateral portions maintain the thickness from the first screenprinting step alone. This localized approach allows variable thickness distribution across different regions of the same substrate, meeting specific thickness requirements in the central area without affecting or requiring additional complexity in the lateral areas.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple screenprinting steps with intermediate drying are performed, then the required thickness is achieved, but the production time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the digital printing of the second electroconductive layer while the paste from the first screenprinting step is still wet. This eliminates the need for an intermediate drying step between the two deposition operations, as the second layer is applied to the湿润 paste and both layers are subsequently cured together in a single heat treatment step, thereby reducing production time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by depositing the second electroconductive layer during the wet state of the first layer, allowing both deposition operations to occur in close succession without interruptive drying cycles. The useful action of paste deposition continues uninterrupted, with the curing step serving as the final consolidation operation for both layers, thereby optimizing production efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If variable aperture screenprinting fabric is used, then different thicknesses are achieved in lateral portions, but fine patterns and thicker patterns cannot be obtained simultaneously in the central portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thickness control function between two different deposition methods: screenprinting handles the general thickness distribution including the lateral portions with variable aperture fabric, while digital printing handles the localized thickening requirement in the central portion. This segmentation allows each method to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other, achieving both fine patterns and thicker patterns in the same central area through sequential deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by depositing two layers of electroconductive paste with different thicknesses in different locations. The first layer provides the base thickness across the entire glazing, while the second layer adds localized thickness in the central portion. The resulting composite electroconductive pattern has spatially varying thickness properties that satisfy both fine pattern requirements and thick pattern requirements in the same central area.
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
Enables flexible production of thick electroconductive patterns in specific areas, meeting electrical resistance specifications while reducing production costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
depositing by screenprinting an initial electroconductive layer forming patterns on one face of said glass sheet
Implementation Method 2
depositing by means of a digital printing technique, in the or each extra thickness area, a second electroconductive layer on the first layer while the latter is still wet
Implementation Method 3
a heat treatment step for curing the first and the second layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for obtaining a glazing includes a glass sheet covered, on one of its faces with electroconductive patterns having in at least one area, a so-called extra thickness area, a greater thickness than in the other areas, the method including depositing by screenprinting a first electroconductive layer forming patterns on one side of the glass sheet, then depositing by a digital printing technique, in the or each extra thickness area, a second electroconductive layer on the first layer while the latter is still wet, then a heat treatment step to cure the first and the second layer.