Peeling Film Method for Transparent Electrode Extraction in Light Control Films

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing light control elements can cause damage to the transparent electrode layer and create a messy working environment due to peeling and scattering of the light control layer during the extraction electrode formation process.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the removal of one base material with a transparent electrode layer, swelling the remaining liquid crystal light control layer with an organic solvent, bonding a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, and peeling it off together with the swollen layer to expose the transparent electrode layer without using a waste cloth, ensuring no damage to the electrode and maintaining a clean environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the light control layer is wiped off with a waste cloth to form the extraction electrode portion, then the base material can be removed, but the transparent electrode layer may be damaged due to rubbing

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a peeling film as an intermediary tool between the operator and the light control layer. The peeling film adheres to the light control layer and enables removal without direct contact between the waste cloth and transparent electrode layer, thus preventing damage while achieving extraction electrode formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rubbing action with a peeling action. Instead of using a waste cloth to wipe off the light control layer through friction, the peeling film is bonded and then peeled off, substituting the harmful mechanical rubbing with a gentler peeling mechanism that avoids damage to the transparent electrode layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If the light control layer is wiped off with a waste cloth, then the extraction electrode portion can be formed, but small pieces of the removed light control layer may scatter and deteriorate the working environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The peeling film acts as a mediator that collects the removed light control layer material in a controlled manner. As the peeling film is peeled off, it adheres to and contains the light control layer, preventing it from scattering into the working environment while still achieving the extraction electrode formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful scattering of light control layer pieces into a beneficial contained removal process. The peeling film captures what would otherwise be scattered debris and transports it away as a unified piece, transforming the harmful scattering effect into a clean, controlled removal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method effectively forms an extraction electrode portion without damaging the transparent electrode layer and prevents scattering of the light control layer, ensuring a clean and functional light control element.

Implementation Method 1

swelling the liquid crystal light control layer remaining in the predetermined portion after the removal of the one of the base materials with transparent electrode layers with an organic solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

bonding a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to a surface of the swollen liquid crystal light control layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11298930B2Method of manufacturing dimming element

Publication Date: 2022.04.12

AI summary

The method of manufacturing a light control element of the present invention includes: removing, in a predetermined portion of a light control film including a first base material with a transparent electrode layer and a second base material with a transparent electrode layer arranged so that transparent electrode layers are opposed to each other, and a liquid crystal light control layer sandwiched between the base materials with transparent electrode layers, one of the base materials with transparent electrode layers; swelling the liquid crystal light control layer remaining in the predetermined portion after the removal of the one of the base materials with transparent electrode layers with an organic solvent; bonding a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to a surface of the swollen liquid crystal light control layer; and peeling off the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape from the light control film together with the swollen liquid crystal light control layer.