Insulated glazing units and electrical feed throughs

An insulated glazing unit can include a spacer frame disposed between a first substrate from a second substrate and forming a portion of a sealed boundary and a flexible circuit extending through the sealed boundary. In an embodiment, the flexible circuit includes a flexible ribbon having a total length, LA, and an effective length, LE, and wherein LE is less than LA. In another embodiment, the flexible circuit includes an expandable portion adapted to expand a length of the flexible circuit to accommodate: relative movement between two or more portions of the insulated glazing unit, resizing of one or more portions of the insulated glazing unit, or any combination thereof.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to insulated glazing units, and more particularly, to electrical feed through devices for operating the insulated glazing units.

RELATED ART

Insulated glazing units may be fabricated with an electrical feed extending from an exterior environment to an insulated interior of the insulated glazing unit to permit operation of the insulated glazing unit. More tolerant feed through solutions are desired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, the terms “vertical,” “horizontal,” and “lateral” are intended to refer to directional orientations as they relate to the orientations illustrated in the figures.

Insulated glazing units in accordance with embodiments described herein can generally include a spacer frame disposed between first and second substrates. The spacer frame can be part of a sealed boundary, insulating a sealed internal space of the insulated glazing unit from an external environment. A flexible circuit can extend through the sealed boundary, passing from the internal space of the insulated glazing unit to the external environment. In an embodiment, the flexible circuit can be coupled to a conductive element, such as a bus bar, within the internal space of the insulated glazing unit. One or more elements can connect with the flexible circuit in the external environment, permitting operational control of the insulated glazing unit. In a particular embodiment, the flexible circuit can include a flexible ribbon having a total length, LA, as measured along a surface of the flexible ribbon, and an effective length, LE, as measured by a straight line extending between two furthest apart longitudinal positions of the flexible ribbon, where LEis less than LA. In a further embodiment, the flexible ribbon can include an expandable portion such as a crease, a crumpled portion, a folded portion, a deformed portion, or any combination thereof, which can expand the effective length of the flexible ribbon when force is applied to or along the flexible ribbon. In a particular instance, force may be applied to the flexible ribbon as a result of thermal gradients within the insulated glazing unit or contact with materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion which expand and contract at different rates and temperatures. That is, relative movement between components of the insulated glazing unit, resizing of components therein, or a combination thereof, either in a completed assembly or during the manufacturing process, may result in changing distances over which the flexible circuit may be required to span. Expandable portions of the flexible circuit in accordance with embodiments described herein can accommodate variable spans without damaging components located in inaccessible portions of the insulated glazing unit and without breaking or detaching the flexible circuit from components located within the internal space of the insulated glazing unit.

FIG. 1includes an illustration of a portion of an insulated glazing unit (IGU)100. The IGU can include a spacer102and seals104and106disposed on opposite sides of the spacer102. The spacer102can include a material like metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, an alloy, or a polymer, a composite, foam, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the spacer102includes a hollow member, such as a hollow tube.

The seal104can be disposed on a substrate108, such as a glass panel, with the spacer102disposed on an opposite side of the seal104. The seal106can be disposed on the spacer102at a location opposite the seal104. In an embodiment, the seals104and106can be formed from the same material. By way of a non-limiting example, the seals104and106can include polymeric material such as polyisobutylene (PIB), however, it is possible to use other materials for seals104and106. The spacer102can be part of an overall spacer frame that may include other features or components. In a particular instance, the spacer frame can be relatively uniform as viewed along the sealed boundary of the IGU100.

Conductors110and112, such as bus bars, can extend along an interior surface of the substrate108. The conductors110and112can extend across dimensions of the IGU, such as along a length or width thereof. Portions of the conductors110and112can lie along straight lines connected together at relative angles. Portions of the conductors110and112can also include arcuate portions. In a particular embodiment, the conductors110and112terminate near one another, permitting use of a single electrical feed through to provide power to both conductors110and112. In another embodiment, the conductors110and112can be connected to different electrical feed throughs extending through the boundary at different locations. The conductors110and112transfer electrical current to dynamic glazings, such as electrochromic stacks, applied to the substrate108. The electrical feed through, as discussed in greater detail below, permits introduction of the electrical current to the conductors110and112.

In an embodiment, the conductors110and112are coupled to a flexible circuit feed through114(hereinafter referred to as the “flexible circuit”) extending through a boundary of the IGU100formed by the spacer102. The flexible circuit114can generally include a flexible ribbon120having a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a thickness perpendicular to both the length and width. In a particular embodiment, the thickness of the flexible ribbon120is less than the width and the width is less than the length. In an embodiment, the flexible circuit114extends through the boundary of the IGU such that the length is perpendicular to the boundary.

The flexible circuit114can include traces116and118extending along the flexible ribbon120. In an embodiment, the flexible circuit114can include a plurality of traces, such as at least two traces, at least three traces, or at least four traces. In a particular instance, at least one of the traces116and118may extend parallel with, or generally parallel with, the length of the flexible circuit114. In an embodiment, the traces116and118may extend along the flexible ribbon120from an external environment to an insulated space contained within the IGU100.

In an embodiment, the flexible circuit114can include a conductive substrate and a non-conductive coating disposed thereon. In a particular embodiment, the conductive substrate can be disposed along a neutral axis of bending, i.e., between layers of non-conductive coating having equal thickness. This can reduce the possibility of the conductive substrate breaking after being bent multiple times. In a particular instance, portions of the flexible circuit114can be free, or essentially free, of non-conductive coatings.

Referring toFIG. 7, pins702and704at the ends of traces116and118can project from the flexible ribbon120within the insulated space. The pins can extend from the flexible ribbon120a distance such that alignment and electrical interconnection of the pins with the conductors110and112(FIG. 1) is more easily facilitated during assembly of the IGU. The pins702and704may be soldered, for example by means of ultrasonic or conventional soldering processes, to the conductors110and112(FIG. 1) using, for example, indium, tin, silver, silver alloy, or any combination thereof. Pins712and714can project from the traces116and118at the other side of the flexible ribbon120into the external environment. Pins712and714can be soldered to an external connection, for example, by means of ultrasonic or conventional soldering processes, with a material such as indium, tin, silver, silver alloy, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, pins712and714can include conductive pads, such as copper pads, for external attachment.

The traces116and118can extend across the sealed boundary formed by the spacer102and seal104. In an embodiment, at least one of the traces116and118, such as both of the traces116and118, have a C-shaped, or an approximately C-shaped, profile when viewed from a top view perpendicular to a major surface of the substrate108. At least one of the traces116and118can include, for example, an inner segment706adapted to couple with, such as electrically couple with, one of the conductors110and112, an outer segment708, and a connection segment710. The connection segment710can be disposed between the inner and outer segments706and708extending through the sealed boundary. In a particular embodiment, the inner and outer segments706and708can include lengths, as measured from the connection segment710, that are different than one another. More particularly, the inner segment706can be shorter than the outer segment708. As illustrated, at least one of the inner and outer segments can extend along a plane that intersects the connection segment at an approximately 90° angle. The relative size of the trace segments706,708, and710may be adjustable for differently shaped and sized IGUs.

Adhesive, such as pressure sensitive adhesive, can be disposed between portions of the flexible ribbon120and adjacent structures of the IGU. For example, in particular embodiments, adhesive can be positioned between the flexible ribbon120and the seal104, between the flexible ribbon120and the spacer102, between the flexible ribbon120and the substrate (not illustrated), or between any combination thereof.

FIG. 2illustrates a cross-sectional view of the IGU100as seen along Line A-A inFIG. 1. Seal106disposed opposite seal104may abut a substrate122, forming an insulated space124of the IGU100. An optional seal142disposed along an outer surface of the spacer102further insulates the IGU100, reducing the likelihood of contaminant ingress. In an embodiment, the optional seal142can include a similar material as seals104and106. In another embodiment, the optional seal142can include a different material. For example, the optional seal142can include polyisobutylene (PIB), butyl, ethylene vinyl, epoxides polyvinyl, silicone and blends thereof, polysulfide or polysulphide, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, polysulfone and blends thereof, styrene acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the seals104and106can include a sealant or further composition to assist in secondary sealing.

In an embodiment, the flexible circuit114can extend from the insulated space124to the exterior environment, passing through at least a portion of the seal104. Seal104disposed along opposing major surfaces of the flexible circuit114can seal insulated space124. In a particular instance, a portion of the seal104A can be coupled to the flexible circuit114prior to assembly of the IGU. That is, the seal104A may be integral to the flexible circuit114.

In certain embodiments, the flexible circuit114can include an expandable portion126. The expandable portion can be disposed along a portion of the flexible circuit114located within the insulated space124. The expandable portion126can include a crease, a crumpled portion, a folded portion, a deformed portion, or any combination thereof which permits the flexible circuit to expand and contract in length.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the flexible circuit114can define a length, LA, as measured along a surface of the flexible circuit114between opposite longitudinal ends128and130. The flexible circuit114can also define an effective length, LE, as measured along a line extending directly between longitudinal ends128and130. In an embodiment, LEis less than LA. More particularly, by way of non-limiting example, LEcan be no greater than 0.995 LA, no greater than 0.99 LA, no greater than 0.95 LA, no greater than 0.9 LA, or no greater than 0.75 LA. In an embodiment, LEis at least 0.1 LA, at least 0.25 LA, or at least 0.5 LA. The difference between LAand LEcan occur as a result of inclusion of the expandable portion126.

As described above, the flexible circuit114can have a thickness less than the width and length. In a particular embodiment, the thickness of the flexible circuit114can be constant. That is, any two locations along the flexible circuit114can have the same thickness. In another embodiment, the thickness of the flexible circuit114can be non-uniform. For example, the flexible circuit114can have a first thickness at a first location and a second thickness different from the first thickness at a second location. In an embodiment, the flexible circuit114can have a thickness, TEP, as measured at the expandable portion126, less than a thickness, TO, at other locations along the flexible circuit114. In an embodiment TEPcan be less than 0.99 TO, less than 0.95 TO, less than 0.9 TO, less than 0.75 TO, or less than 0.5 TO. In another embodiment, TEPcan be at least 0.01 TO, less than 0.1 TO, or less than 0.25 TO. As the expandable portion126may permit adjustment of the effective length of the flexible circuit114, material thickness of the expandable portion126may be reduced, allowing easier deformation thereof during application of applied forces along the flexible circuit114. This may allow the expandable portion126to more readily deform at lower applied forces, making the IGU100more resilient to thermal gradients and less affected by materials having differing coefficients of thermal expansion. Moreover, a readily deformable expandable portion126can reduce the likelihood that solder connections or other conductive connections between leads and conductors within the IGU100break. In certain embodiments, the pins (previously described) can have a thickness greater than the flexible ribbon120. This may allow easier soldering and attachment during manufacturing.

FIG. 4illustrates a cross-sectional view of the expandable portion126of the flexible circuit114in accordance with an embodiment. In a particular instance, the expandable portion126may expand the effective length, LE, of the flexible circuit114by at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, or even at least 3 mm. In a particular embodiment, the expandable portion126has a height, HEP, of at least 0.01 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm. In another embodiment, the height, HEP, of the expandable portion126is no greater than 100 mm, no greater than 25 mm, or no greater than 5 mm. In a further embodiment, the expandable portion126has a length, LEP, of at least 0.01 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm. In yet another embodiment, the length, LEP, of the expandable portion126is no greater than 100 mm, no greater than 25 mm, or no greater than 5 mm. In a particular instance, the height, HEP, of the expandable portion126can be equal to the length, LEP, thereof. In other instances, the height, HEP, of the expandable portion126can be greater than the length, LEP, thereof. In yet further instances, the height, HEP, of the expandable portion126can be less than the length, LEP, thereof.

As force is applied to the flexible circuit114in a direction generally corresponding with one or both of lines158and150, the length of the expandable portion126can change. That is, the expandable portion126can have an initial length, as measured before application of force to the flexible circuit114, and a modified length, as measured after or during application of force to the flexible circuit114, where the initial length is different than the modified length. As force is applied along one or both of the opposite sides of the expandable portion126, the length, LEP, and height, HEP, change. If the sum of forces is relatively outward (i.e., away from the expandable portion126) the length, LEP, of the expandable portion126increases while the height, HEP, decreases. Conversely, if the sum of the forces is relatively inward (i.e., toward the expandable portion126) the length, LEP, of the expandable portion126decreases while the height, HEP, increases. Traces116and118(FIG. 1) can deform with the expandable portion126of the flexible circuit114, permitting monolithic flexure of the flexible circuit114. In certain embodiments, the flexible circuit114may further exhibit flexure in the transverse direction (perpendicular to lines158and150). That is, the flexible circuit114may be adapted to flex in transverse directions in response to transversely applied forces.

In certain embodiments, the expandable portion126can have a generally arcuate profile terminating in an upper apex, as viewed in cross section, defining a radius of curvature, R, of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, or even at least 1 mm. In an embodiment, R can be no greater than 10 mm. The arcuate expandable portion126can minimize stress on traces116and118during flexure. In other embodiments, the expandable portion126can include generally linear segments, as viewed in cross section, connected together at relative angles. While segments interconnected at relative angles may incur additional stress on the traces, space limitations within the insulated space of the IGU may require use of a flattened apex or polygonal segments connected together.

As illustrated, the expandable portion126includes two vertical portions132and134, each extending from a lateral portion136and138, and connected together at an arcuate portion160. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the vertical portions132and134can be angularly offset from vertical. Instead, the vertical portions132and134can form an acute or obtuse angle relative to the lateral portions136and138, respectively. In a particular instance, use of vertical portions132and134forming acute angles relative to lateral portions136and138, respectively, may permit greater lateral expansion of the expandable portion126while reducing possible lateral contraction. Conversely, use of vertical portions132and134forming obtuse angles relative to lateral portions136and138, respectively, may permit greater lateral contraction of the expandable portion126while reducing possible lateral expansion.

In an embodiment, the expandable portion126can extend parallel to the width of the flexible circuit114. In another embodiment, the expandable portion126can be angularly offset from the width of the flexible circuit114by at least 1°, at least 5°, at least 10°, at least 25°, or at least 60°. In a further embodiment, the expandable portion126can lie along at least two lines extending across the width of the flexible circuit114. The at least two lines may include straight segments, arcuate segments, or combinations thereof. The at least two lines may intersect one another, creating an expandable portion126that does not lie along a single line. In certain embodiments, the expandable portion126can have a uniform cross-sectional profile as seen at all locations along the width of the flexible circuit114. In other embodiments, the expandable portion126can have a varying cross-sectional profile such that the cross-sectional profile of the expandable portion126at a first location is different from a cross-sectional profile thereof at a second location. The cross-sectional profiles at the first and second locations may differ in size, shape, or a combination thereof. It is noted that varying the cross-sectional profiles too greatly can cause uneven movement of the expandable portion126which can result in rupture or excessive wear of the circuit. This in turn might result in electrical shorting or current leakage, reduced operating life expectancy, or diminished flexure upon application of loading conditions.

Referring again toFIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment the flexible circuit114can further include an aperture140extending through the thickness of the flexible circuit114. The aperture140can alter a physical property of the flexible circuit114, providing the flexible circuit114with a desirable characteristic. For example, positioning of an aperture140along the expandable portion126may improve flexure of the expandable portion126, making the flexible circuit114more sensitive to smaller forces. Alternatively, the aperture140can be positioned along the flexible circuit114so as to align with seal104or conductors110or112. In an embodiment, the aperture140can include a plurality of apertures. Each aperture of the plurality of apertures can have the same or similar size, shape, or other suitable characteristic as compared to one another.

Referring again toFIG. 2, in a particular embodiment, the expandable portion126can create a lateral barrier for the spacer102, reducing the likelihood that the spacer102contacts the conductor110or112which might otherwise short the conductor110or112or cause current leakage. During assembly, the seal104may be applied to the substrate108. The seal104may optionally include the flexible circuit114integrally attached therewith. Alternatively, the flexible circuit114can be assembled relative to the seal104after or during installation of the seal104. The spacer102(optionally including seal106) can then be installed relative to the seal104and flexible circuit114. As illustrated, the apex of the expandable portion126can extend to a vertical elevation above the seal104. As used to describe the apex of the expandable portion126, “vertical elevation above” refers to a state wherein the apex of the expandable portion126is disposed above an uppermost surface of the seal104when the IGU100is placed on a major surface of the substrate108. During installation of the spacer102, the apex of the expandable portion126can act as a tactile barrier, reducing the likelihood of improper spacer102positioning, particularly in the lateral directions.

FIG. 5illustrates an embodiment of the IGU500including a flexible circuit502extending from an internal space504of the IGU500between a spacer506and a seal510to an external environment. An end portion of the flexible circuit502can extend upward in the external environment. More specifically, the flexible circuit502can extend along an outer surface508of the spacer506. Adhesive, mechanical fasteners, other suitable attachment processes, or combinations thereof can secure the end portion of the flexible circuit502at a location adjacent to the outer surface508of the spacer. In an embodiment, adhesive can be positioned along the flexible circuit502at locations adjacent to the spacer506, the conductors110and112(FIG. 1), the seal510, or any combination thereof. In a further embodiment, portions of the flexible circuit502between adhesive laden portions can be free, or essentially free, of adhesive. More particularly, the portions of the flexible circuit502between adhesive laden portions may not include adhesive.

FIG. 6illustrates an embodiment of an electrical component602coupled to a portion of the flexible circuit604. The electrical component602can be positioned within an internal space606of the IGU600and provide identification information relating to a condition or property of the IGU600. For example, the electrical component602can store product models or serial numbers, date of manufacture, device size or shape, device surface area, controllable parameters including maximum switching voltage or current for tinting or bleaching an electrochromic device, installation location, number and size of individually controllable segments, minimum and maximum tint levels, internal series resistance, another physical or operational parameter relating to the IGU600, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the electrical component602can be connected to the flexible circuit604through one or more intermediary components such as couples, connectors, or electrical wires. In another embodiment, the electrical component602can be directly connected to the flexible circuit604.

An insulated glazing unit comprising:a spacer frame disposed between a first substrate from a second substrate and forming a portion of a sealed boundary; anda flexible circuit extending through the sealed boundary, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a flexible ribbon having a total length, LA, and an effective length, LE, and wherein LEis less than LA.

An insulated glazing unit comprising:a spacer frame disposed between a first substrate from a second substrate and forming a portion of a sealed boundary; anda flexible circuit extending through the sealed boundary, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a flexible ribbon having an expandable portion adapted to expand a length of the flexible circuit to accommodate:relative movement between two or more portions of the insulated glazing unit;resizing of one or more portions of the insulated glazing unit; orany combination thereof.

An insulated glazing unit comprising:a spacer frame disposed between a first substrate from a second substrate and forming a portion of a sealed boundary; anda flexible circuit extending through the sealed boundary, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a flexible ribbon and a pin extending from the flexible ribbon, and wherein the pin is adapted to align the flexible ribbon with a conductor within an inner area of the insulated glazing unit.

An insulated glazing unit comprising:a spacer frame disposed between a first substrate from a second substrate and forming a portion of a sealed boundary;a flexible circuit extending through the sealed boundary and adapted to connect to a bus bar at an internal location of the insulated glazing unit; andadhesive disposed along portions of the flexible circuit at locations adjacent to the spacer frame and the bus bars, wherein a portion of the flexible circuit between the bus bars and spacer frame does not include adhesive.

An insulated glazing unit comprising:a spacer frame disposed between a first substrate from a second substrate and forming a portion of a sealed boundary; anda flexible circuit extending through the sealed boundary, wherein the flexible circuit comprises an expandable portion having a first thickness, and a non-expandable portion having a second thickness, and wherein the first thickness is different than the second thickness.

A process of assembling an insulated glazing unit comprising:attaching a flexible circuit to a first substrate;coupling a first end of the flexible circuit to a bus bar;installing a spacer such that the flexible circuit is disposed between the spacer and the first substrate, wherein the flexible circuit includes a portion adapted to reduce a likelihood the spacer contacts the bus bar; andattaching a second substrate to the spacer opposite the first substrate.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first and second substrates comprise glass, and wherein the spacer frame comprises a metal.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of embodiments 1 and 3-7, wherein the flexible circuit comprises an expandable portion.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of embodiments 2 and 8, wherein the expandable portion is adapted to expand an effective length of the flexible circuit by at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm, wherein the expandable portion is adapted to expand the effective length of the flexible circuit by no greater than 20 mm, no greater than 10 mm, no greater than 5 mm, or no greater than 4 mm.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of embodiments 2, 8, and 9, wherein the expandable portion comprises a bent portion of the flexible ribbon, wherein the bent portion extends a maximum distance from a planar portion of the flexible ribbon, wherein the maximum distance is at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, or at least 1.5 mm, wherein the maximum distance is no greater than 10 mm, no greater than 5 mm, or no greater than 2 mm, wherein the bent portion has a length, as measured parallel to the planar portion of the flexible ribbon, and wherein the length is at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, or at least 0.7 mm.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of embodiments 2 and 8-10, wherein the expandable portion is adapted to expand an effective length of the flexible ribbon upon application of a force along the flexible ribbon, wherein the force applied to the flexible ribbon is related to a temperature differential or a difference in material coefficient of thermal expansion.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of embodiments 1 and 11, wherein the effective length of the flexible ribbon is adapted to change as the insulated glazing unit exhibits relative internal movement, flexure, or resizing.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of embodiments 1, 11, and 12, wherein the effective length, LE, is no greater than a total length, LA, of the flexible ribbon, as measured along a surface of the flexible ribbon without application of force along the flexible ribbon, wherein LEis no greater than 0.999 LA, no greater than 0.95 LA, or no greater than 0.9 LA, wherein LEis no less than 0.1 LA, no less than 0.5 LA, or no less than 0.75 LA.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of embodiments 2 and 8-13, wherein the expandable portion comprises a crease, a crumpled portion, a folded portion, a deformed portion, or any combination thereof.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of embodiments 1-4 and 6-14, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a thickness, wherein the thickness varies along the flexible circuit, wherein the flexible circuit has a first thickness at non-expandable portions thereof and a second thickness at an expandable portion, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a plurality of traces, wherein the plurality of traces includes at least two traces, at least three traces, or even at least four traces, wherein each of the traces includes a pin, wherein the flexible circuit comprises an aperture.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a composite construction, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a conductive substrate and a non-conductive layer disposed on the conductive substrate, wherein the non-conductive layer is an insulator such as polyimide, wherein the conductive substrate comprises copper, wherein the non-conductive layer comprises a polymer, wherein the conductive substrate has a thickness in a range between and including 1 μm and 1000 μm, wherein the non-conductive layer has a thickness in a range between and including 1 μm and 1000 μm.

The insulated glazing unit or process of embodiment 17, wherein the non-conductive layer comprises a polymer, wherein the non-conductive layer comprises polyimide.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible circuit comprises an interior portion disposed within the insulated glazing unit and an exterior portion disposed outside of the insulated glazing unit, and wherein an electrical component is coupled to the flexible circuit on the interior portion.

The insulated glazing unit or process of embodiment 19, wherein the electrical component comprises an identifier, a sensor adapted to detect light, motion, or temperature, or any combination thereof.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a first trace and a second trace, both the first and second traces extending across the sealed boundary, wherein at least one of the first and second traces has a generally C-shape, wherein the first and second traces each have a generally C-shape, wherein at least one of the first and second traces comprises an inner segment, an outer segment, and a connection segment extending between the inner and outer segments, wherein the inner segment has a length less than a length of the outer segment, wherein the inner segment is adapted to couple with a bus bar.

The insulated glazing unit or process of embodiment 21, wherein at least one of the inner and outer segments extends from the connection segment at an approximately 90° angle.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein an outer portion of the flexible circuit is attached to an external side of the spacer by adhesive, a mechanical fastener, another suitable method, or any combination thereof, wherein the outer portion of the flexible circuit is attached to the external side of the spacer by a strip of adhesive.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a seal, wherein a first portion of the seal is disposed between the flexible circuit and the spacer, and wherein a second portion of the seal is disposed between the flexible circuit and the first substrate.

The insulated glazing unit or process of embodiment 24, wherein the seal comprises polyisobutylene (PIB).

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible circuit comprises a first adhesive and a second adhesive, wherein the first adhesive is near opposite ends of the flexible circuit, wherein the second adhesive is disposed along the flexible circuit at a location adjacent to the spacer, wherein the first adhesive is spaced apart from the second adhesive by an adhesiveless portion.

The insulated glazing unit or process of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising:a secondary seal disposed between the first and second substrate to an external side of the spacer frame.