Laminated Glazing With Photochemically Etched Conductive Interlayer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminated glazing technologies face challenges in achieving complex patterns on curved and irregularly shaped surfaces due to limitations with tungsten wires, conductive coatings, and fired silver ink prints, which are also visually obtrusive and prone to 'hotspots', making it difficult to integrate multiple functionalities effectively.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glazing design featuring a discrete, photochemically-etched sheet of electrically conductive material, which can be etched to form various functional elements like antennas, sensors, and shields, and is integrated as a composite interlayer between glazing panes, allowing for flexible design and reduced visual obtrusiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tungsten wires are used to create functional patterns in laminated glazing, then electrical conductivity and functional patterns can be achieved, but the degree of curvature is limited and complex patterns on curved surfaces cannot be realised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-laying system with a photochemically-etched conductive coating system. Instead of physically placing tungsten wires which have mechanical rigidity limitations, the invention uses a flexible coating that can be deposited on curved surfaces and then photochemically patterned to create the desired functional designs, thereby substituting a mechanical process with a chemical one that overcomes the curvature limitation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the conductive material from rigid wires to a flexible coating layer. This parameter change allows the material to conform to curved surfaces while maintaining electrical conductivity, enabling complex patterns on irregularly shaped glazings that were impossible with wire-based systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If fired silver ink print or copper wires are used to include functionality in laminated glazing, then electrical conductivity and functional devices can be achieved, but visual obtrusiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the conductive coating selective in its properties - it provides electrical conductivity where needed while maintaining optical transparency or aesthetic appearance. The photochemical etching allows the conductive material to be precisely patterned, so functionality is achieved only in specific areas rather than across the entire surface, reducing visual obtrusiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes color and optical property changes by employing a conductive coating that can be made visually imperceptible or aesthetically pleasing. The coating's optical properties are engineered to match or blend with the glazing material, and the photochemical patterning creates designs that may be subtle or invisible, thereby achieving functionality without compromising visual appearance
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive coating is used to block electromagnetic radiation, then electromagnetic shielding functionality is achieved, but hotspots appear when the coating area is non-quadrate or has non-heated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conductive coating into multiple discrete heating zones or segments through photochemical patterning. Each segment can be independently controlled or designed with specific geometric characteristics, allowing the overall coating to cover non-quadrate areas while maintaining uniform power distribution across each segment, thereby eliminating hotspot formation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses partial action by applying the conductive coating only where needed and using photochemical etching to create precise patterns that optimize power distribution. Rather than coating the entire surface uniformly, the selective patterning ensures that conductive material is placed strategically to achieve electromagnetic shielding functionality while maintaining balanced electrical characteristics and avoiding concentration of power in specific areas
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 the creation of laminated glazing with enhanced functionality, such as electromagnetic shielding, capacitive sensing, and alarm systems, while maintaining a sleek appearance and accommodating complex shapes, by using a thin, etched electrically conductive member that can be seamlessly integrated into the glazing structure.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically conductive member is etched from the sheet of electrically conductive material. More preferably, the member is photochemically-etched from the sheet of material.
Data Source
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AI summary
A laminated glazing comprising two panes of glazing material, a sheet of interlayer material extending therebetween, and an electrically conductive member formed (possibly etched) from a sheet of electrically conductive material also positioned between the panes. The electrically conductive member may function as one or more of: an antenna element, a capacitive sensor, an electromagnetic shield, part of alarm circuitry, a resistance thermometer, a busbar. Also a method of manufacturing such a glazing involving locating a pre-formed electrically conductive member and a sheet of interlayer material on a first pane of glazing material, placing a second pane of glazing material in register with the first so that the electrically conductive member and the interlayer material are between the two panes, and laminating in an autoclave.