Electromagnetic Radiation Permeable Glazing with Segmented Conductive Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glazings with electrically conductive layers that block electromagnetic radiation, such as radio and microwave signals, also compromise low-emissivity properties, leading to IR heat loss or gain, which is undesirable, especially in modern mobile device usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A glazing design featuring an electrically conductive layer absent in specific regions, replaced by low-emissivity materials, allowing electromagnetic radiation to pass through while maintaining low-emissivity properties, achieved by using transparent substrates with electrically conductive layers partially removed and coated with low-emissivity materials like coated glass flakes or metal oxides, ensuring minimal visual distinction and optimal radiation transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an electrically conductive layer is applied to the glazing to block electromagnetic radiation, then radio and microwave transmission is attenuated, but low-emissivity properties are compromised leading to IR heat loss or gain
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive layer is segmented into regions of different conductivity. The glazing comprises a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer with different sheet resistances, creating zones that selectively block or transmit electromagnetic radiation while maintaining low-emissivity properties in specific areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the glazing are assigned different functional properties. The first electrically conductive layer provides IR reflection across the entire surface, while the second electrically conductive layer with higher sheet resistance creates specific zones with enhanced electromagnetic blocking without compromising the overall low-emissivity performance.
2Loss of energy
If the electrically conductive layer is made more conductive to improve low-emissivity properties, then IR heat loss is reduced, but attenuation of radio and microwave signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer is divided into multiple layers with different conductivity levels. The first electrically conductive layer has lower sheet resistance for optimal IR reflection, while the second electrically conductive layer has higher sheet resistance to provide selective electromagnetic blocking in specific regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The glazing uses a composite structure with two electrically conductive layers of different materials or compositions. This composite approach allows each layer to contribute different functional properties, achieving both low-emissivity performance and selective electromagnetic radiation blocking.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If selected parts of the conductive layer are removed to restore radio and microwave communication, then signal transmission is improved, but the boundaries between coated and uncoated areas become visually noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing conductive material, the layer is segmented into regions of different conductivity. The second electrically conductive layer with higher sheet resistance creates functional zones that allow radio wave transmission while maintaining continuous coverage across the entire surface, eliminating visible boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet resistance parameter is varied across different layers rather than creating discrete coated and uncoated areas. This continuous parameter change maintains visual homogeneity while providing the necessary electromagnetic radiation blocking in specific regions.
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
The glazing enables the passage of electromagnetic radiation, like mobile phone signals, while retaining excellent low-emissivity properties, ensuring minimal IR heat loss and maintaining a visually seamless appearance.
Implementation Method 1
these conductive coatings significantly attenuate the propagation of radio waves and microwaves. The attenuation of radio and microwave communication signals is typically an unwanted side effect of these electrically conductive layers
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of i) said one or more regions of the first major surface, and/or ii) corresponding regions of the opposing second major surface, bears a low-emissivity material
Implementation Method 3
wherein said one or more regions permit the passage of electromagnetic radiation through the glazing
Data Source
AI summary
A glazing includes at least one transparent substrate comprising a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, wherein said first major surface is coated with an electrically conductive layer and the electrically conductive layer is absent in one or more regions of the first major surface. At least a portion of the one or more regions of the first major surface, and/or corresponding regions of the opposing second major surface, bears a low-emissivity material, and the one or more regions permit the passage of electromagnetic radiation through the glazing.