LED Window with Transparent Conducting Oxide Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light sources for illuminating the area in front of a window either obstruct the view or illuminate areas outside the field of view, as they either require external placement or obstruct the view with their size.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a light-emitting diode (LED) within a window using Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) layers or traces to provide power, allowing for internal light generation without obstructing the view, as the TCO layers are transparent and conductive, enabling light transmission and electrical connectivity without visible wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an external light source is used to illuminate the area in front of a window, then the illumination function is achieved, but the light source directs light in directions not parallel to the field of view and illuminates areas not in the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source with the window structure itself by integrating an LED between two transparent sheets of the window. This integration ensures that light is generated at the window plane and directed only into the field of view, eliminating the need for external light sources that illuminate areas outside the desired view area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from external light sources positioned at a distance to an internal light source embedded within the window plane. This dimensional repositioning allows light to be emitted from the window surface itself, ensuring illumination is confined to the field of view direction.
2Illumination intensity
If a view obstructing device is used to generate light within the field of view, then the light direction is correct, but the device's size obstructs some of the field of view of the window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin transparent sheets as the window structure, allowing the LED to be integrated between them with minimal obstruction. The thin-film construction enables the light source to be embedded within the window plane rather than protruding in front of it, reducing visual obstruction while maintaining illumination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs transparent materials for the window sheets and utilizes the LED's ability to emit light in specific wavelengths. The transparency of the window materials allows the LED to be visually concealed while still providing illumination, effectively making the light source invisible during normal viewing conditions.
3Reliability
If traditional conductive wires or traces are used to power the LED, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the wires or traces obstruct the view through the window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the conductive material by using Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) instead of traditional metal wires or traces. TCO maintains the necessary electrical conductivity to power the LED while being transparent to visible light, thereby eliminating view obstruction caused by conventional conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs Transparent Conducting Oxide as a composite material that combines the properties of electrical conductivity and optical transparency. This composite material allows simultaneous achievement of reliable electrical connectivity for LED operation and unobstructed visual transmission through the window.
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 LED-powered window illuminates the field of view without obstructing it, providing a clear and unobstructed view while being small enough not to be easily identifiable as a light source, and capable of directing light only to areas within the view, thus addressing the limitations of existing light sources.
Implementation Method 1
TCO carries charge due to interstitial metal ion impurities, oxygen vacancies, and doping ions
Implementation Method 2
TCOs are highly transparent and highly conductive. TCOs are fabricated with polycrystalline or amorphous micro structures to maximize their light transmittance
Implementation Method 3
A light emitting diode (LED) is a semi-conductor light source. An LED light source provides advantages over other standard light sources due to compact size, lifetime, lower energy consumption
Implementation Method 4
LEDs can be used to create multiple light sources that cover a broad range of the light spectrum from infrared to ultraviolet, including the visible light range
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted window that includes an LED, an anode-side layer or trace of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) overlying a first side of the LED and electrically coupled to the anode of the LED, and a cathode-side layer or trace of TCO overlying a second side of the LED and electrically coupled to the cathode of the LED. There is an anode-side electrical connector that is electrically coupled to the anode-side layer or trace of TCO, electrically insulated from the cathode-side layer or trace of TCO, and extends outside of the anode-side layer or trace of TCO, and a cathode-side electrical connector that is electrically coupled to the cathode-side layer or trace of TCO, electrically insulated from the anode-side layer or trace of TCO, and extends outside of the cathode-side layer or trace of TCO.