Switchable Glazing Remote Electrical Connector Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting switchable films, such as SPD and LCD films, to external power supplies are time-consuming, complicated, and prone to film damage, short circuits, and delamination issues, making them inefficient and difficult to integrate into laminated glazings.
Innovation Solution
A switchable film assembly with remote electrical connector regions that are not in direct contact with the electrically conductive layers, allowing for capacitive connections to an external power supply, thereby changing the optical transmission of the active layer without physical contact and minimizing the risk of damage or delamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional busbar methods are used to connect switchable films to external power supplies, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the electrical connection function from the direct contact busbar method and relocates it to remote edges of the glazing. The busbars are positioned at the peripheral edges rather than being directly attached to the switchable film, separating the connection point from the functional area and simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary conductive layer (such as a conductive interlayer or coating on the glass edge) that mediates the electrical connection between the busbar and the switchable film. This intermediary allows electrical connectivity without requiring direct contact between the busbar and the film, reducing complexity and time.
2Reliability
If busbars are directly attached to electrically conductive layers, then electrical connection is established, but film damage and delamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the electrical connection point from the active area of the switchable film and relocates it to the remote edges. This separation ensures that busbars do not attach to or damage the film surface, maintaining film integrity while still establishing electrical connectivity through the conductive layers at the edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive interlayer or coating acts as an intermediary that protects the switchable film from direct contact with busbars. The busbar connects to this protective intermediary layer rather than directly to the film, preventing delamination and damage while maintaining electrical connection.
3Reliability
If complex busbar attachment methods are used, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but short circuits and delamination issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the electrical connection function from complex busbar attachment procedures and simplifies it by positioning busbars at remote edges where they connect to conductive layers without requiring attachment to the switchable film itself. This eliminates the harmful effects of short circuits and delamination associated with complex attachment methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive interlayer or coating serves as a protective intermediary that prevents short circuits and delamination. It provides a safe connection path for electricity while isolating the busbar from direct contact with the switchable film, eliminating the harmful effects of complex attachment procedures.
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 solution enables efficient and reliable electrical connectivity to switchable films, reducing the risk of film damage and delamination, while allowing for the effective switching of the film's optical transmission, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional busbar methods.
Implementation Method 1
A switchable film assembly with remote electrical connector regions that are not in direct contact with the electrically conductive layers, allowing for capacitive connections to an external power supply
Implementation Method 2
upon connecting the film assembly to a power supply, an electrical field may be projected through at least a portion of the switchable film assembly thereby changing the optical transmission of the active layer
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable film assembly having remote electrical connections comprises an active layer between first and second electrically conductive layers. The active layer has an optical transmission which changes upon projecting an electric field therethrough. An electrical connection connects the film to a power supply and can comprise a remote electrical connector region provided remote to the first and second electrically conductive layers, such upon connecting the film assembly to the power supply, an electrical field may be projected through at least a portion of the switchable film assembly thereby changing the optical transmission of the active layer.