Segmented Smart Film Shutter With Single-Side Electrode Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart films require electric connections on both transparent conductive electrodes, complicating production and increasing the risk of short circuits, especially in mass production of segmented shutters.
Innovation Solution
A smart film design with electric connections only on one transparent conductive electrode, allowing for sequential activation and deactivation of sections using a control unit to provide phase-shifted signals, eliminating the need for connections on both electrodes and reducing production time and short-circuit risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric connections are provided on both transparent conductive electrodes, then the smart film can achieve complete coverage and control, but the production complexity increases and the risk of short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electric connections from one of the two transparent conductive electrodes, eliminating the need for connections on the second electrode. This reduces the number of connection points from four (two per electrode) to two (one per electrode), directly lowering production complexity and short-circuit risk while maintaining full functionality through the conductive substrate's inherent properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the second transparent conductive electrode serve multiple functions: it acts as both the active control electrode and the common reference electrode simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connection structures on the second electrode, simplifying production while maintaining electrical control capability across the entire smart film surface
2Productivity
If electric connections are provided on both transparent conductive electrodes, then complete electrical control is achieved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for electric connections on one transparent conductive electrode, reducing the total number of connection operations during assembly. This extraction of unnecessary connection requirements directly reduces production time while maintaining full electrical control functionality through the remaining connections and the conductive substrate's inherent properties
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first transparent conductive electrode is divided into multiple sections, then sequential activation is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first transparent conductive electrode is divided into multiple electrically independent sections, each capable of being activated or deactivated independently through separate control signals. This segmentation enables sequential activation patterns (such as scanning or zone-based control) while the second electrode remains as a simple continuous common reference, balancing functionality with structural simplicity
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
Facilitates efficient mass production of segmented shutters with reduced production time and cost, while maintaining functionality and safety by eliminating the need for connections on both electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
the active optic material is configured to change at least one optical property when subject to an electrical voltage
Implementation Method 2
the electric field formed between the two transparent conductive layers excites the liquid crystal particles to align in parallel perpendicularly to the substrates
Data Source
Figure 1~2a\
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a smart film comprising a first transparent conductive electrode (1), a second transparent conductive electrode (2) and an active optic material (3) arranged between the first and the second transparent conductive electrodes (1, 2) in electric contact with the first and the second transparent conductive electrodes (1, 2). The active optic material (3) is configured to change at least one optical property when subject to an electrical voltage. The first transparent conductive electrode (1) is divided into a plurality of sections (11-16), the plurality of sections comprising a first section (11) and a plurality of intermediate sections (12-16), wherein the first section only neighbours with one intermediate section. The smart film further comprises a frame (7), wherein the frame (7) covers at least a portion of the first section (11).