Printed Polarity Switch Assembly for Electrochromic Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical switches are costly and occupy excessive space, limiting their effectiveness in applications like electrochromic displays that require polarity change.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly using printed conductive patterns on buttons and a substrate, with specific wiring configurations to enable polarity change between a power source and an appliance, utilizing a composition of polymers and conductive materials for cost-effectiveness and space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches are used to change polarity, then the switching function is reliable, but the device occupies excessive space and has high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches with a printed circuit board-based switching mechanism. The switch assembly uses printed conductive patterns on a substrate instead of mechanical components, thereby eliminating the need for bulky mechanical structures while maintaining the polarity switching function. This substitution of mechanical system with a printed circuit system directly resolves the contradiction between reliability and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin substrate (such as a flexible printed circuit board) to carry the conductive patterns and switching elements. This thin-film approach allows the switching assembly to be compact and flexible, significantly reducing the space required compared to rigid mechanical switches while preserving the electrical connection reliability needed for polarity switching.
2Reliability
If mechanical switches are used to change polarity, then the switching function is reliable, but the manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical switches with printed circuit board-based switching elements, the patent eliminates the need for precision mechanical assembly and reduces manufacturing complexity. The printed conductive patterns can be mass-produced using standard PCB fabrication processes, significantly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable polarity switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the switching mechanism from mechanical movement to electrical connection through printed patterns. This parameter change enables the use of cost-effective printed circuit board manufacturing processes instead of expensive mechanical assembly processes, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving switching reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional switches are used, then the polarity change function is achieved, but the device dimensions are large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches with a printed circuit board-based switching mechanism that uses conductive patterns on a thin substrate. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining the polarity change function, thereby significantly reducing device dimensions and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional mechanical switch components to two-dimensional printed conductive patterns on a flat substrate. This dimensional reduction from 3D to 2D minimizes the volume occupied by the switching assembly while preserving the electrical connectivity needed for polarity switching, making the device more compact and space-efficient.
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 solution allows for efficient and space-saving polarity change between a power source and an appliance, enhancing the functionality of electrochromic displays and other applications while reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive patterns (CP1) and (CP2) on the buttons (B1) and (B2) and said wirings on the surface (SF1) of the substrate (S1) are arranged in such a manner and said buttons (B1) and (B2) are placed on said substrate (S1) in such manner, that (ii) the button (B1) connects by means of the conductive pattern (CP1) in a pressed state simultaneously the first wiring of the two wirings (W/PS) with one wiring of the remaining wirings (W/A)
Data Source
AI summary
Switch assembly for changing the direction of current from a power source to an appliance comprising—at least four wirings, two of the wirings are connectable with the power source and the remaining wirings are connectable with the appliance,—all wirings are fixed on the surface of a substrate and none of the wirings are directly connected to each other,—a first button comprising a first conductive pattern on one surface of said button,—a second button comprising a second conductive pattern on one surface of said button,—the surfaces of the buttons on which the conductive patterns are arranged face the surface of said substrate where the wirings are arranged,—the buttons are fixed on the substrate—the conductive patterns on the buttons and said wirings on the surface of the substrate are arranged in such a manner and said buttons are placed on said substrate in such manner, that (i) said conductive patterns on the buttons are not in contact with said wirings in an unpressed state of the buttons, (ii) one button connects by means of the conductive pattern in a pressed state simultaneously the first wiring of the two wirings with one wiring of the remaining wirings and the second wiring of the two wirings with another wiring of the remaining wirings to enable a first current path through the switch assembly, and (iii) the other button connects by means of the conductive pattern in a pressed state the first wiring of the two wirings with one wiring of the remaining wirings and the second wiring of the two wirings with another wiring of the remaining wirings to enable a second current path through the switch assembly being different to the first current path, wherein further the conductive patterns comprise a composition (CO) comprising a polymer and a conductive material dispersed in said polymer and/or a conjugated polymer.