Interconnection Tab for Liquid Crystal Lens Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyewear with liquid crystal lenses faces challenges in robust and reliable interconnection of electrodes, as traditional methods require special patterning and are prone to breakage, complicating manufacturing and repair.
Innovation Solution
An interconnection tab with an insulator layer and conductive electrode layers is used, allowing flexible and robust connection between the liquid crystal lens electrodes and the control circuit, eliminating the need for special patterning and crossover dots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrode interconnection methods are used with liquid crystal lenses, then the lenses can be manufactured, but the interconnection is prone to breakage and requires special patterning
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode interconnection is divided into separate modular components: discrete electrode tabs on the liquid crystal lens and corresponding contact elements on the frame. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard processes, eliminating the need for complex integrated patterning while improving reliability through modular replacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A frame-mounted contact structure serves as an intermediary element that receives electrical signals from external sources and transmits them to the liquid crystal lens electrodes. This intermediary approach separates the complex interconnection requirements from the lens manufacturing process, allowing standard lens production while providing robust electrical contact through the frame structure.
2Reliability
If special patterning is used for electrode interconnection, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into lens-mounted tabs and frame-mounted contacts. The lens tabs can be applied using simple conductive adhesive or screen printing processes during standard lens manufacturing, while the frame contacts are separately manufactured and assembled. This eliminates complex integrated patterning requirements and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrode tabs are pre-applied to the liquid crystal lens during the lens manufacturing process using straightforward techniques such as conductive adhesive application. This preliminary action ensures electrical contact capability is built into the lens without requiring complex post-processing or specialized patterning equipment, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
3Strength
If rigid lens structures are used, then mechanical strength is provided, but the lens cannot withstand insertion forces into elastic frames
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal lens is mounted in a flexible frame structure that can elastically deform during insertion and then return to its original shape. This flexible mounting approach allows the rigid lens to be inserted without direct mechanical stress on the lens itself, as the frame absorbs the deformation forces. The lens remains mechanically strong while the system enables easy insertion through the frame's elastic compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device with at least one interconnection tab is provided. The optical device includes a pair of opposed substrates with a gap therebetween filled with an electro-optic material. Each substrate has a facing surface with a substrate electrode disposed thereon. A sealing material is disposed between the pair of opposed substrates to contain the electro-optic material. At least one interconnection tab is interposed between the substrates. The interconnection tab includes an insulator layer with opposed surfaces. A tab electrode layer is provided on each surface, wherein each tab electrode layer contacts a corresponding substrate electrode. And each tab electrode layer includes a portion that extends from the pair of opposed substrates on selected portions of the insulator layer.