Variable-Transmittance Optical Laminate with Direct Conductive Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable transmittance optical stacks face issues with increased manufacturing costs, thickness, and reduced light control region due to the inclusion of a separate substrate for forming a conductive layer, and the length of wiring parts is also problematic.
Innovation Solution
A variable transmittance optical stack is designed without a separate substrate for forming the conductive layer, with transparent conductive layers directly on polarizing plates, and connection parts protruding in the same outward direction to reduce wiring length and maintain light control region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate substrate is included to form the conductive layer, then the conductive layer can be formed properly, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated, manufacturing costs increase, and the thickness of the stack increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the substrate and conductive layer into a single integrated structure. The transparent conductive layer is formed directly on the polarizing plate without requiring a separate substrate, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the functionality of the conductive layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate substrate from the conventional structure. By removing the unnecessary substrate and forming the conductive layer directly on the polarizing plate, the design reduces complexity and thickness while preserving the essential functions.
2Reliability
If a separate substrate is included to form the conductive layer, then the conductive layer can be formed properly, but the thickness of the stack increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate and conductive layer are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the thickness contribution of a separate substrate. The transparent conductive layer is formed directly on the polarizing plate surface, reducing the overall stack thickness while maintaining conductive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate substrate is extracted and removed from the structure. By eliminating this unnecessary component and forming the conductive layer directly on the polarizing plate, the patent significantly reduces the stack thickness without compromising the conductive layer's performance.
3Ease of operation
If protrusions of the conductive layer are formed on both side portions of the optical stack, then the conductive layer can be connected to wiring parts, but the length of the wiring part increases and the light control region is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design where the connection parts protrude only from one side of the optical stack rather than both sides. This asymmetric configuration allows wiring connections while preserving the light control region on the opposite side, thereby maintaining the full light control area.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parts are positioned to protrude in a specific directional dimension from one side of the stack, rather than symmetrically from both sides. This dimensional arrangement allows wiring access without encroaching on the light control region, maximizing the effective light control area.
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces thickness, and enhances light transmittance while minimizing the wiring length and maintaining the light control region.
Implementation Method 1
The variable transmittance optical stack is operated by changing the transmittance by controlling liquid crystals according to voltage application
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a transmittance-variable optical laminate and a manufacturing method therefor, a smart window comprising same, and a door and window for an automobile and building employing same, the optical laminate comprising: a first polarizing plate having a first connection part; a first transparent conductive layer formed on one surface of the first polarizing plate; a second polarizing plate facing the first polarizing plate and having a second connection part; a second transparent conductive layer formed on one surface of the second polarizing plate; and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer, wherein at least one transparent conductive layer from among the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer is formed to come into direct contact with any one polarizing plate from among the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate, and the first connection part and the second connection part protrude in the same outward direction.