Segmented PDLC Functional Element With Single Flexible Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically controllable sun visors in vehicles face challenges in efficiently connecting bus bars to a voltage source, particularly in segmentable PDLC functional elements, leading to complex wiring and reduced convenience in control.
Innovation Solution
A functional element with a stacking sequence of a first carrier film, a first planar electrode, an active layer, a second planar electrode, and a second carrier film, where the first planar electrode is divided by an isolation line into segments, allowing for individual electrical contact via bus bars, and a single flexible printed circuit connects all segments to the voltage source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bus bars are individually connected to each segment via separate flat conductors, then each segment can be electrically controlled, but the wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bus bars are merged into a single integrated connection structure that contacts the planar electrode at multiple points simultaneously. This single connection structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate flat conductors, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining the ability to electrically control segmented regions of the functional element
2Reliability
If bus bars are arranged on opposite sides of the functional element, then electrical contact is achieved, but the connection structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement where bus bars are placed on opposite sides of the functional element, to a three-dimensional configuration where a single connection structure extends through or across the functional element to contact the planar electrode at multiple points. This dimensional change simplifies the overall connection structure while ensuring reliable electrical contact
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
Enables improved connection of bus bars to a voltage source, allowing for selective control of segments, reducing wiring complexity and enhancing user convenience in controlling the optical properties of the sun visor.
Implementation Method 1
the transmittance or the scattering behavior of electromagnetic radiation in the visible range is electrically controllable
Implementation Method 2
PDLC functional elements (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), as is known, for example, from DE 20 2018 102520 U1. Their active layer contains liquid crystals that are embedded in a polymer matrix.
Data Source
AI summary
A functional element having electrically controllable optical properties having a plurality of side edges includes a stacking sequence having a first carrier film, a first planar electrode divided by an isolation line into at least two segments, an active layer, a second planar electrode, and a second carrier film, wherein on a first side edge in a first region, the second carrier film, the second planar electrode, and the active layer have a first cutback and in a second region, the first carrier film, the first planar electrode, and the active layer have a second cutback, a group of first bus bars electrically conductively contacts the first planar electrode, and each segment of the first planar electrode is electrically conductively contacted by a bus bar from the group of the first bus bars, and at least one second bus bar electrically conductively contacts the second planar electrode.