Glazing Radiation Control Device with Embedded Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of glazing systems with devices for controlling radiation transmission is cumbersome and expensive due to the need for dedicated processing equipment and the complexity of attaching numerous electrical wirings, especially for large-sized systems and independently controllable segments.

Innovation Solution

A device design where electrical contacts are contained within the substrate pair's contour, allowing for standard glazing industry processing, with conductive layers and an active layer between them, and using electrically conductive adhesives for connections, enabling easy and cost-effective wiring attachment post-production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical wirings are attached to transparent conductive coating for secure connection with low resistance, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate conductive layer between the transparent conductive coating and the electrical wiring. This intermediate layer serves as a mediator that simplifies the attachment process while maintaining low resistance connection, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive intermediate layer is deposited on the transparent conductive coating before the electrical wiring is attached. This preliminary action prepares the surface for easier wiring attachment and ensures optimal electrical contact, reducing manufacturing difficulty

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If substrates are coated with transparent conductive coating and coupled to electrical power source, then radiation transmission control function is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation transmission control functionVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the conductive system into multiple layers: transparent conductive coating on substrate, intermediate conductive layer, and electrical wiring. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and facilitates easier manufacturing while maintaining the radiation transmission control function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate conductive layer serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, simplifies wiring attachment, and maintains compatibility with standard glazing processes. This multi-functionality improves ease of manufacture without compromising the radiation transmission control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If numerous electrical wirings are attached for large-sized systems and independently controllable segments, then control precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from attaching wirings to the surface of the transparent conductive coating to embedding the intermediate conductive layer within the substrate structure. This dimensional change allows for more efficient wiring integration and improves productivity while maintaining control precision for large-sized systems and independently controllable segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Simplifies the production of glazing systems by allowing standard processing methods and reducing costs, while enabling flexible and efficient electrical connections for controlling radiation transmission.

Implementation Method 1

an active layer positioned between the first area of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer for controlling the transmission of the radiation by altering its light transmissivity dependent on a voltage applied to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentEP3458906B1Device for controlling transmission of radiation
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 MERCK PATENT GMBH
  • EP3458906B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3458906B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3458906B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Device (1) for controlling transmission of radiation, characterized by a first substrate (121; 121') comprising a first conductive layer (141'); a second substrate (122; 122') comprising a second conductive layer (142'); an active layer (20) positioned between the first conductive layer (141') and the second conductive layer (142') for controlling the transmission of the radiation by altering its light transmissivity dependent on a voltage applied to the first conductive layer (141') and the second conductive layer (142'); a first contact (501) for providing a first electrical connection to the first conductive layer (141'); a first portion (601) of an adhesive or a solder for attaching a first proximal end (521) of the first contact (501) to the first conductive layer (141'); a second contact (502) for providing a second electrical connection to the second conductive layer (142'); and a second portion (602) of the adhesive or solder for attaching a second proximal end (522) of the second contact (502) to the first conductive layer (141') or second conductive layer (142'); wherein: the second contact (502) is accommodated in a first space (401) freed by the first substrate (121; 121'); and the first contact (501) is accommodated in a second space (402) freed by the second substrate (122; 122') and a corresponding a method for controlling transmission of radiation, a method of making the device, an article (2) comprising the device (1; 11, 12) or using the method, and a use of the device (1; 11, 12) or article (2).