Encapsulated Optical Film Electrode Layout to Prevent Short Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical devices with encapsulated structures face issues of electrode layers contacting each other due to pressure, leading to short circuits, which hampers their functionality and application expansion.

Innovation Solution

The optical device comprises a configuration with patterned electrode layers, where the second region is electrically connected to the first region only, preventing short circuits even under pressure, and includes a light modulation layer between the base films, allowing for transparent and black mode switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the optical film is encapsulated through an encapsulant to expand applications, then the durability and application scope are improved, but the electrode layers may contact each other due to pressure causing short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidshort circuit risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode layers are divided into a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer that are spatially separated and do not face each other. This segmentation prevents direct contact between electrodes even when encapsulation pressure is applied, eliminating the short circuit risk while maintaining encapsulation benefits for durability enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A light modulation layer is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second electrode layers. This intermediary layer physically separates the electrodes and enables the optical functionality, preventing electrode contact while allowing the encapsulation structure to provide protective pressure without causing short circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the electrode layers are spaced apart to prevent short circuits, then the reliability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshort circuit preventionVSAvoidelectrode configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light modulation layer serves dual functions: it acts as an intermediary to prevent electrode contact for reliability, and simultaneously provides the optical modulation functionality. This merging of functions achieves short circuit prevention without adding separate structural elements, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second electrode layers are designed to perform multiple roles: they provide electrical connectivity for device operation and simultaneously serve as spatially separated structures that prevent short circuits. This multi-functionality achieves reliability improvement without requiring additional specialized components that would increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration effectively prevents short circuits and enables efficient switching between modes, enhancing the durability and application scope of the optical device.

Implementation Method 1

a light modulation layer (130) existing between the first and second base films (110, 150)... a mixture of a host material, which is mainly a liquid crystal compound, and a dichroic dye guest is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal orientation change: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

a dichroic dye guest is applied... capable of varying transmittance using liquid crystal compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDichroic absorption: Dichroic Filter

Data Source

PatentEP3933458B1Optical device
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3933458B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3933458B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3933458B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The present application relates to an optical device. The present application provides an optical device capable of preventing defects such as short circuits even when an external power source has been connected in an encapsulated structure.