Nanocomposite Optical Device Integrated Conductive Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nanocomposite optical devices require separate routing for electrical and thermal communication, which interrupts the manufacturing process and complicates integration of conductive elements.

Innovation Solution

Ink-jet printable nanocomposite materials are used to create a refractive-gradient optical device with integrated conductive electrodes that provide both electrical and thermal communication, allowing for seamless integration within the device structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate routing for electrical and thermal communication is provided, then electrical and thermal communication are achieved, but the manufacturing process is interrupted and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical and thermal communicationVSAvoidrouting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electrical and thermal communication functions into a single integrated conductive path within the optical device. The conductive element serves dual purposes: providing electrical connectivity between components and acting as a thermal management pathway, thereby eliminating the need for separate routing structures and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical conduction, thermal conduction, and structural integration within the optical device. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate elements, streamlining the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate routing for electrical and thermal communication is provided, then electrical and thermal communication are achieved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical and thermal communicationVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive element is integrated into the optical device during the initial manufacturing process rather than being added as a separate post-processing step. This preliminary integration allows electrical and thermal pathways to be established concurrently with the optical device fabrication, eliminating interruptions and improving manufacturing throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By merging electrical and thermal communication into a single integrated pathway, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps required. Instead of separately routing and connecting electrical and thermal elements, the unified conductive path can be fabricated in a single process, thereby increasing manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If conductive elements are integrated within the optical device, then manufacturing efficiency is enhanced, but maintaining optical transparency becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidoptical transparency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive element is strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide necessary electrical and thermal functionality while minimizing its presence in optical pathways. By localizing the conductive material to specific regions where it is functionally required and using thin-film or nanoscale structures, the patent maintains optical transparency in the broader device architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures that combine conductive and optically transparent properties. This may involve using transparent conductive oxides, metal nanowires embedded in transparent matrices, or other composite approaches that simultaneously provide electrical/thermal conduction and optical clarity, thereby resolving the contradiction between integration and transparency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This approach enables efficient and continuous communication within the optical device, simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing the device's functionality by eliminating the need for separate routing and ensuring effective thermal and electrical connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

nanocomposite refractive-gradient optical-devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The treated nanocomposite-ink having electrical, thermal or both electric and thermal communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction (electrical): Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

The treated nanocomposite-ink having electrical, thermal or both electric and thermal communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction (thermal): Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10155872B2Nanocomposite optical-device with integrated conductive paths

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 VADIENT OPTICS LLC

AI summary

A nanocomposite optical device comprising a cured optically transparent nanocomposite ink and a treated conductive nanocomposite-ink. The treated conductive nanocomposite-ink integrated within the nanocomposite structure. The treated nanocomposite-ink having electrical, thermal or both electric and thermal communication to the exterior of the optical device and the same communication with at least a portion of the optically transparent nanocomposite within the optical-device.