Switchable Window Electrode Layout for Closed Pattern Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switchable electro-optical devices struggle to accurately display closed patterns or images without complex electrical contacting, as they require additional connections or modifications that can alter the intended design and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing electrically switchable devices with patterned electrodes on transparent substrates, where electrically insulated segments with open shapes correspond to complementary parts of a desired pattern, allowing for seamless alignment and activation of closed features without visible gaps, using a medium capable of modulating light in response to voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If electrically insulated segments are used to form closed patterns, then the device can display closed images, but complex electrical contacting is required which alters the intended design and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the electrode structure into two separate substrates, each carrying partial electrode patterns. The first substrate has a first electrode with first electrically insulated segments, and the second substrate has a second electrode with second electrically insulated segments. When assembled, these segments align to form complete closed patterns without requiring complex electrical connections through the pattern itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The second substrate acts as an intermediary that carries the complementary electrode segments needed to complete the closed patterns. By placing these segments on a separate substrate rather than integrating them into the first substrate's pattern, the device avoids the need for complex electrical contacting through the pattern while achieving accurate closed image display.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional electrical connections are provided to activate interior insular areas, then closed patterns can be displayed, but the intended design and aesthetics are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pattern is segmented across two substrates. The first substrate contains the primary pattern with insular areas, while the second substrate contains the complementary segments that complete the closed patterns. This segmentation allows the insular areas to be activated without adding visible connection elements to the final design.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the electrical connection problem from the pattern plane to the substrate assembly dimension. By completing the electrical circuits through the stacking of two substrates rather than through lateral connections within a single substrate, the design maintains its aesthetic integrity while achieving accurate pattern display.
3Reliability
If the electrode pattern is broken to provide conductive bridges, then electrical connection is achieved, but visible gaps appear in the closed image features
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of breaking the pattern on a single substrate, the electrode is segmented across two substrates. Each substrate carries incomplete patterns that are designed to align and complete each other when assembled, eliminating the need for conductive bridges that would create visible gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The second substrate carries a copy of the complementary electrode segments needed to complete the patterns. This copying approach allows the formation of continuous closed patterns without physical breaks or gaps, as the completing segments are provided by the second substrate's electrode layer.
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 the production of devices that can efficiently regulate light transmission and display closed images with ease of electrical contacting, maintaining the intended design and aesthetics, while providing a simple and robust configuration for switchable windows and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a medium capable of modulating light in response to an applied voltage
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present invention relates to devices (10) for the regulation of light transmission and in particular switchable windows and to methods for their preparation. The present invention in particular relates to electrically switchable devices (10) which in one optical switching state are capable of portraying closed patterns or images (12) without the need for providing complex electrical contacting.