Laser Structured Functional Coatings on Glass for Electronic Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing electronic structures on glass panes, such as capacitive sensor systems or alarm loops, are costly and complex, particularly when integrating them into glass sheets with functional coatings like low-e glass, which can interfere with electromagnetic signals due to metallic layers.
Innovation Solution
A method using laser radiation to structurally modify the existing functional coatings on glass panes, creating electronic structures like capacitive sensor systems or conductor loops by removing or modifying specific regions of the metallic layers, thereby avoiding the need for additional application processes and maintaining the primary functions of the glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If metallic functional layers are applied to glass panes for heat protection and sun protection, then heat insulation performance is improved, but electromagnetic wave shielding is enhanced (blocking cell phone signals)
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous metallic functional layer is segmented by laser radiation to create discontinuous structures such as grids, dots, or lines. This segmentation maintains the heat reflection properties while creating electromagnetic wave transmission paths through the gaps between structures, resolving the contradiction between thermal insulation and signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic layer is selectively modified in specific regions through laser radiation to create areas with different properties. Some regions retain full metallic coverage for heat protection, while other regions are structured or removed to allow electromagnetic wave passage, achieving local optimization of both thermal and electromagnetic properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional electronic structures are applied to glass panes for functionality, then device functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The functional coating layers and electronic structure elements are merged into a single integrated structure. The metallic functional layers serve dual purposes: providing thermal protection and forming the conductive elements for electronic functions such as capacitive touch sensors or alarm loops, eliminating separate manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic functional layers are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: thermal reflection, electrical conduction for electronic circuits, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized layers and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional electronic structures are applied to glass panes for functionality, then device functionality is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic structure elements are prepared in advance as part of the functional coating deposition process. The metallic layers are deposited with predetermined patterns or are subsequently structured by laser radiation to form electronic elements, eliminating the need for separate, costly post-processing steps for adding electronic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical or chemical methods for applying electronic structures are replaced with laser radiation processing. The laser directly structures the metallic functional layers to create electronic elements, providing a more precise, automated, and cost-effective manufacturing approach compared to conventional methods.
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 simple and cost-effective production of electronic structures on glass panes, allowing for enhanced functionality like gesture recognition and alarm systems without compromising the original properties of the glass, such as heat insulation.
Implementation Method 1
A method using laser radiation to structurally modify the existing functional coatings on glass panes, creating electronic structures like capacitive sensor systems or conductor loops by removing or modifying specific regions of the metallic layers
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing an electronic structure on a glass pane which has, at least on one of its two glass pane surfaces, a functional coating having at least one electrically conductive functional layer, preferably having multiple electrically conductive functional layers, the functional coating being structured by applying laser radiation in such a way that the electronic structure, preferably a capacitive sensor system or a conductor loop, is created. A glass sheet having at least one glass pane of this type.