Transparent Composite with Conductive Pattern and Catalytic Ink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in reducing light reflectivity of electrically-conductive metal-containing patterns used in thin-film antennas and electrodes, particularly when these patterns are integrated into transparent substrates like glass, where visibility and optical transparency are critical.
Innovation Solution
The development of a composite article comprising a transparent polymeric film with an electrically-conductive metal-containing pattern, where the pattern includes a metallic layer with a catalytic ink on its opposing surface, sandwiched between two transparent rigid substrates. This configuration enhances optical transparency and reduces visible light reflectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrically-conductive metal-containing patterns are provided on transparent substrates, then electrical conductivity is improved, but optical transparency deteriorates due to increased light reflectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a darkening agent to the metallic pattern to change its optical properties. The darkening agent reduces the light reflectivity of the metallic pattern, making it less visible when viewed through the transparent substrate. This allows the pattern to maintain its electrical conductivity while improving optical transparency by reducing glare and visibility issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining a transparent substrate, an electrically-conductive metallic pattern, and a darkening agent. This composite material approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve electrical conductivity from the metal pattern and optical transparency from the transparent substrate, while the darkening agent modulates the reflectivity to balance both requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If metallic patterns are darkened to reduce reflectivity, then optical transparency is improved, but the metallic pattern's electrical conductivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The darkening agent is applied selectively to the metallic pattern only where needed to reduce reflectivity, while leaving the bulk metallic structure unchanged. This localized treatment allows the darkening to improve optical properties without significantly impacting the overall electrical conductivity of the conductive pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (reflectivity, visibility) of the metallic pattern through the application of the darkening agent, while maintaining the electrical conductivity parameters by keeping the metallic structure intact. This parameter separation allows independent optimization of optical and electrical properties.
3Illumination intensity
If thin-film antennas are made more transparent, then optical transparency is improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The darkening agent modifies the optical appearance of the thin-film antenna by reducing its reflectivity, making it more transparent when viewed through the substrate. This allows the antenna to maintain sufficient electrical conductivity while improving its optical transparency for better integration into transparent articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The darkening agent acts as an intermediary layer between the metallic pattern and the external environment. It mediates the interaction with light by absorbing or scattering reflected light, thereby improving optical transparency without directly affecting the electrical conductivity pathway of the thin-film antenna.
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 effectively reduces the visibility of electrically-conductive metal patterns when viewed from either side of the transparent substrate, improving optical transparency and enhancing the integration of thin-film antennas into transparent articles without the need for darkening agents.
Implementation Method 1
a pattern of a catalytic ink disposed over at least a portion of the opposing second surface of the metallic pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A composite article has a transparent polymeric film and an electrically-conductive, metal-containing pattern disposed on a surface of the transparent polymeric film. The electrically-conductive, metal-containing pattern has, in order outwardly from a surface of the transparent polymeric film: a metallic pattern having a first surface facing the transparent polymeric film and an opposing second surface; and a pattern of a catalytic ink disposed over at least a portion of the second surface of the metallic pattern. The transparent polymeric film with the electrically-conductive, metal-containing pattern disposed thereon is sandwiched between two panes of transparent rigid substrates and serves as a transparent laminating film to form the composite article.