Optical Device Connector via Perforated Conductive Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing an electrical connection between an extremely thin conductive electrode layer and a conductive element in optical devices, such as adaptive liquid crystal lenses, is challenging due to the limited design variations and visual impact constraints, especially when the electrode layer is exposed only on the sides of the device.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a conductive layer with a significantly larger thickness than the electrode layer, perforation of both the carrier and electrode layer, and filling the perforations with conductive material to establish a reliable electrical connection, allowing for multiple connection points and design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the electrode layer is made extremely thin to improve visual appearance and transparency perception, then the visual appearance and transparency are improved, but the electrical connection becomes extremely difficult or impossible to realize
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the extremely thin electrode layer and the conductive element. This conductive layer has a thickness significantly larger than the electrode layer, providing a robust interface for electrical connection while the thin electrode layer maintains its transparency and visual appearance benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection is shifted from a planar connection within the electrode layer to a vertical connection through the conductive layer. By perforating through the conductive layer and filling with conductive material, the connection moves to a different dimensional approach (vertical vs. lateral), enabling reliable connection without compromising the thinness of the electrode layer.
2Ease of operation
If the electrode layer is exposed on the sides of the device to enable electrical connection, then electrical connection is possible, but the locations for connectors are limited and design variations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection approach moves from lateral exposure of electrode edges to vertical perforation through the conductive layer. This dimensional change allows connectors to be positioned at various locations on the device surface rather than being constrained to edge areas, enabling greater design flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer serves multiple functions: it provides a thick conductive path for reliable electrical connection, acts as a substrate for perforation and conductive material filling, and enables connector placement flexibility. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between connection ease and design versatility.
3Illumination intensity
If the electrode layer is made extremely thin, then the visual impact is minimized, but the contact area for electrical connection is insufficient leading to high contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer acts as a mediator that decouples the visual requirements from the electrical connection requirements. The thin electrode layer maintains minimal visual impact, while the thick conductive layer provides sufficient contact area for low contact resistance connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive structure is segmented into two distinct layers with different thicknesses optimized for different functions: the thin electrode layer for visual appearance and the thick conductive layer for electrical connection performance. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device (3) comprising a light transmitting electrode layer (2) provided onto a light transmitting carrier (15), wherein a conductive layer (6) is provided on the first electrode layer (2), the conductive layer establishing a connecting area (4), the conductive layer having a thickness being significantly larger than the thickness of the electrode layer (2), and wherein the electrode layer (2) and carrier (15) show a perforation in the connecting area, the perforation being at least partially filled with a conductive material (7) which is further connected to a conductive element (1) thereby establishing an electrical connection between the electrode layer (2) and the conductive element (1) via the conductive layer (6) and the conductive material.