Transparent Laminated Glass With Low-Visibility Conductive Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in reducing light reflectivity of electrically-conductive metal-containing patterns used in thin-film antennas and electrodes, particularly when these patterns are integrated into transparent substrates like glass, which limits their optical transparency and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing composite articles with electrically-conductive metal-containing patterns by transferring the patterns from a first substrate to a transparent laminating film, which is then laminated between two panes of glass, thereby reducing visibility and enhancing optical transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrically-conductive metal-containing patterns are provided on transparent substrates, then electrical conductivity is improved, but optical transparency deteriorates due to light reflectivity
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent laminating film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the electrically-conductive metal pattern and the external environment. This film acts as a mediator that reduces light reflectivity from the metallic pattern while maintaining electrical conductivity, thereby resolving the contradiction between electrical performance and optical transparency
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent laminating film modifies the optical properties of the metal pattern by reducing light reflectivity. This change in optical appearance (reducing visible reflection) allows the metallic pattern to maintain its electrical function while becoming less visually detectable, thus improving optical transparency without sacrificing conductivity
2Reliability
If metal-containing patterns are applied directly to glass surfaces, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but visibility of the patterns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent laminating film serves as a protective intermediary that conceals the metal pattern from direct view while preserving its electrical function. This mediator layer reduces the harmful effect of pattern visibility without compromising the beneficial electrical conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent laminating film is applied specifically to areas where metal patterns are present, providing localized concealment. This selective application reduces visibility of conductive patterns in critical areas while maintaining overall transparency of the glass surface
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
The method effectively reduces the visibility of electrically-conductive metal patterns when viewed through the transparent substrate, enhancing the optical transparency and reducing light reflectivity, thus improving the performance and visibility of thin-film antennas and electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
opposing surfaces of the electrically-conductive metal-containing pattern containing a metallic pattern can be darkened with appropriate darkening agents, to reduce metallic light reflectivity
Implementation Method 2
It is also possible in some embodiments for the electrically-conductive pattern(s) to be disposed on a catalytic ink
Data Source
AI summary
Transparent composite articles can be prepared to have one or more electrically-conductive metal-containing patterns. Such method includes steps A), B′), and C), in order. Step A) is providing one or more electrically-conductive metal-containing patterns on a surface of a first substrate. Step B′) is transferring the one or more electrically-conductive metal-containing patterns to a surface of a second substrate thereby providing an electrically-conductive metal-containing pattern on the surface of the second substrate, wherein the second substrate is a transparent laminating film. Step C) is laminating the second substrate with the transferred electrically-conductive metal-containing pattern between two panes of glass to provide the composite article that can be used in various ways, such as antennae in windshields or other transparent structures.