Multi-zone Electrochromic IGU Laser Scribing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dynamic Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) are limited to single dynamic zones or multiple separately glazed units due to manufacturing challenges and high production costs, making it difficult to create multi-zone IGUs with independently controllable zones without issues like short circuits and visual defects.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pane IGU design with independently controllable dynamic zones, utilizing electrochromic, photochromic, or thermochromic coatings and bus bars, where laser scribing and ablation form thin isolating lines between zones, allowing for independent control of transmittance and solar heat gain, and using suitable materials like glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate for the panes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional manufacturing methods are used to create multi-zone IGUs, then production costs increase and manufacturing complexity increases, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to short circuits and visual defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the IGU into multiple independently controllable zones by applying separate dynamic coatings to different regions of the same pane. Each zone has its own control electrodes and can be independently adjusted, allowing multi-zone functionality without requiring multiple separate glass units. This segmentation approach maintains manufacturing precision while achieving zone independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different dynamic coatings with specific properties to different zones on the same pane. Each zone can have tailored optical and thermal properties suited to its specific function, while maintaining uniform manufacturing quality across the entire pane. This local quality approach allows customized zone characteristics without compromising overall manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separately glazed units are used to create multi-zone IGUs, then zone independence is achieved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dynamic zones onto a single glass pane by applying multiple dynamic coatings in different regions. This consolidation reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate glazed units, while still maintaining independent control of each zone through separate electrode structures. The merging approach simplifies the IGU assembly and reduces production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single glass pane universal by enabling it to perform multiple dynamic functions simultaneously. The same pane can have different zones with different optical properties, allowing one IGU unit to replace multiple specialized units. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining zone independence and adaptability.
3Device complexity
If dynamic coatings are applied to create multiple zones on the same pane, then device complexity is reduced and production costs decrease, but reliability deteriorates due to potential short circuits between zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary insulating structures between adjacent dynamic zones on the same pane. These intermediaries act as electrical barriers that prevent short circuits between zones while allowing the zones to remain on the same continuous glass surface. This approach maintains reliability by ensuring proper electrical isolation without requiring separate glazed units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin film insulating layers to separate adjacent dynamic zones electrically. These thin films provide reliable electrical isolation between zones while maintaining the structural integrity and optical properties of the glass pane. The flexible thin film approach ensures proper zone isolation without compromising reliability or increasing device complexity.
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 optimized daylight harvesting and solar control in multiple dynamic zones, allowing for diverse design configurations while minimizing production costs and avoiding visual defects, with each zone independently controllable based on environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
laser scribing and ablation form thin isolating lines between zones
Implementation Method 2
electrochromic, photochromic, or thermochromic coatings
Implementation Method 3
electrochromic, photochromic, or thermochromic coatings
Implementation Method 4
electrochromic, photochromic, or thermochromic coatings
Data Source
AI summary
A window assembly comprises a plurality of dynamic electrochromic zones formed on a single transparent substrate in which at least two electrochromic zones are independently controllable. In one exemplary embodiment, the window assembly comprises an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), and at least one transparent substrate comprises a lite. In another exemplary embodiment, the IGU comprises at least two lites in which at least one lite comprises a plurality of independently controllable dynamic zones.