Liquid Crystal Glazing with Laminated PVB and EVA Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-controllable liquid crystal glazing is fragile and lacks robustness, requiring improvements in mechanical strength and reliability while maintaining variable diffusion capabilities at a lower cost.
Innovation Solution
The glazing incorporates a laminated structure with transparent polymeric interlayers and enhanced electrical insulation and sealing materials, including a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer for mechanical reinforcement and a polyethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) sealing material for watertightness, along with strategically placed electrical wiring and insulation to prevent damage and ensure secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multiple liquid crystal glazing is assembled with offset glass sheets and protruding electrode edges to facilitate adhesive application, then the variable diffusion function is achieved, but the mechanical robustness and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing is divided into multiple functional layers: glass sheets, liquid crystal layer, adhesive layers, and sealing elements. Each layer performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve variable diffusion while maintaining structural integrity through proper segmentation of components.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrode edges are intentionally designed to protrude from the glass sheets before assembly. This preliminary positioning facilitates the subsequent application of adhesive copper strips and ensures proper electrical connections, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the glass sheets are offset with protruding electrode edges, then electrical connection is facilitated, but the glazing becomes fragile and less mechanically resistant
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive copper strips are applied to the protruding electrode edges to provide both electrical connection and mechanical reinforcement. These thin conductive films bridge the electrode edges, enabling easy electrical wiring while compensating for the reduced mechanical strength at the protruding edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The glazing combines multiple materials with complementary properties: glass sheets for structural support, liquid crystals for optical control, adhesive materials for bonding, and copper strips for electrical connection. This composite structure allows the system to achieve electrical connectivity without compromising overall mechanical resistance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If adhesive copper strips are applied to distribute current to electrodes, then electrical distribution is improved, but the assembly complexity and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive copper strips serve multiple functions simultaneously: they distribute electrical current to the electrodes, provide mechanical reinforcement to the protruding electrode edges, and act as bonding elements between layers. This multi-functionality reduces overall assembly complexity despite the additional component.
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 solution significantly enhances the mechanical resistance and electrical security of the glazing, allowing for easier installation and compliance with building standards, while maintaining the ability to switch between transparent and translucent states, and providing protection against ultraviolet rays and moisture.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of liquid crystals reversibly alternating between a transparent state and a translucent state by application of an alternating electric field
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to liquid-crystal multiple glazing (100), comprising: a first glass sheet (1) and a second glass sheet attached together by a seal (6); first and second electrodes (3, 3') having first and second electrical input areas (90, 31, 90', 31'); a liquid-crystal layer (4) of between 15 and 60 μm and having spacers; the first glass sheet (1) projecting by means of a first projecting edge and comprising the first electrical input area; an electric cable harness (9, 9') having a first cable inlet (90) including a first polymeric electrically insulating material (61); a third glass sheet (8) laminated with the second glass sheet (1), the third glass sheet projecting beyond the second glass sheet (1) by means of an edge covering the first electrically insulating material (61), referred to as the first covering edge (83). The invention also relates to the production of such liquid-crystal glazing.