Patent Publication Number: US-8975789-B2

Title: Electrical connectivity within architectural glazing frame systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/610,143 filed Sep. 11, 2012, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/589,024 filed Jan. 20, 2012, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to architectural glazing frame systems and more particularly to electrical connectivity within architectural glazing frame systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Insulated glass units (IGUs) include opposing glass lite panels separated by a spacer along the edge in which the spacer and the glass sheets create a seal around a dead air space (or other gas, e.g. argon, nitrogen, krypton). A series of thin films, known as electrochromic glazings, are applied or deposited to one of the glass lite panels. Electrochromic glazings include electrochromic materials that are known to change their optical properties in response to the application of an electric potential. Common uses for these glazings include architectural windows, as well as windshields and mirrors of automobiles. Further details regarding the formation of IGUs can be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,372,610; 7,593,154; and U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2011/0261429 A1, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     IGUs may be installed in buildings as part of architectural glazing frame systems, which conventionally include a window pane and frame-work often having a frame cap on the exterior of the frame. It is necessary to bring electrical connections outside of the framing system in order to connect electronic controls, such as lighting and environmental controls or other control systems, to the IGUs. 
     Previous systems known to those of ordinary skill in the art have run wires to the edges of the frames within the framing systems. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 1 , an insulated glass unit  50  may be supported by a frame  1  on one side and a combination of a pressure wall clamp plate  9 A and a pressure wall trim cap  9 B on the other side. An IGU connector  7  may be connected to the insulated glass unit  50  within a “glazing pocket” region enclosed by (i) an inner seal  2  between the frame  1  and an inner glass lite  12 , (ii) the IGU  50 , (iii) an outer seal  3  between the pressure wall clamp plate  9 A and the outer glass lite  13 , (iv) a wall seal  8  between the frame  1  and the pressure wall clamp plate  9 A, and (v) a spacer  5  around the perimeter of and between the glass lites  12  and  13 . To connect the IGU connector  7  to other electrical interfaces, a hole  6  has been drilled within a wall of the frame  1  to enable a cable  4  or other electrical conductor to pass through the hole and into a space of the frame from which the cable  4  can travel to other locations within the framing system. Such wire routing systems are believed to be expensive and potentially error prone, often requiring the use of not only a technician for installing the IGUs, but also electricians for the wire routing and potentially structural engineers due to the modifications made to the framing system. Furthermore, these wire routing systems often require customization due to the variety of commercial and residential framing systems in use today. 
     It is believed that advances in wireless communications and solar power control systems may be useful in providing a reduction in the overall wiring complexity for systems utilizing electrically active glazes, such as those described in co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/435,391 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,089, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Wiring however may still be required to connect the IGUs locally to photovoltaic (PV) panels, power packs or batteries, and control units lying on either the interior or exterior of a building. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary may include a frame in sealed engagement with at least a portion of a substrate. The substrate may be in communication with an electrochromic device. The system may include first and second conduits in which the first conduit may be on a first side of the substrate and a second conduit may be on a second side of the substrate. The second conduit may be in communication with the first conduit through at least one of (i) the seal, (ii) a space between the seal and the frame, and (iii) a space between the seal and the substrate. 
     In some embodiments, the frame may be in sealed engagement with the substrate through first and second seals on both the first and second sides of the substrate in which the second conduit may be nearest to the second seal. The first conduit is in communication with the second conduit through any of (i) the first and second seals, (ii) spaces between each of the first and second seals and the frame, and (iii) spaces between each of the first and second seals and the substrate, the first conduit being nearest to the first seal. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second conduits may be ends of a connectivity harness. In some embodiments, the system may include at least one conduit cable. In such embodiments, at least one of the first and second conduits may form at least an end portion of the conduit cable. In some embodiments, the system may include at least one conduit cable in sealed engagement with one of the first and second seals. In some embodiments, the substrate may have a recess at a portion of the perimeter of the substrate. The recess may be adapted for engagement with the conduit cable in which the conduit cable may be in sealed engagement with the first and second seals at the substrate recess. 
     In some embodiments, the system may include two conduit cables. In such embodiments, each of the conduit cables may pass through one of (i) the respective first or second seal, (ii) the space between the respective first or second seal and the frame, and (iii) the space between the respective first or second seal and the substrate. 
     In some embodiments, the conduit cable may be a flexible ribbon cable. In some embodiments, the flexible ribbon cable may have a thickness ranging from about 0.035 to about 0.040 inches across a width of the cable. In some embodiments, the conduit cable may be a flexible printed circuit. In some embodiments, the flexible printed circuit may be substantially flat. In such embodiments, the flexible printed circuit may have a consistent thickness ranging from about 0.008 to about 0.015 inches across a width of the cable. In some embodiments, the conduit cable may be formed of multiple layers. In some embodiments, the conduit cable may include a stepped edge. In some embodiments, the conduit cable may have a tapered edge on an end of the cable. In some embodiments, the tapered edge may include a tip at an extremity of the edge in which the tip of the tapered edge may be in sealed engagement with the substrate. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second conduits may be connected through a connectivity module. In some embodiments, the connectivity module may be connected to the electrochromic device through a cable connection. In some embodiments, the connectivity module may be connected to the electrochromic device through a connector socket extending from the connectivity module. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary may include a frame in sealed engagement along at least a portion of a substrate. The substrate may be in communication with an electrochromic device. The system may include first and second conduits in which the first conduit may be on a first side of the substrate and a second conduit may be on the second side of the substrate. The second conduit may be in communication with the first conduit through a hole in the substrate. In some embodiments, the system may include a connectivity module adapted for connection to the electrochromic device and having (i) a hole for receiving at least one electrical element for connecting the first and second conduits or (ii) opposing first and second connectors for receiving electrical elements in electrical communication with the first and second conduits, respectively. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary may include a frame in sealed engagement along at least a portion of first and second plates separated by a space in which each of the plates may be in communication with an electrochromic device. The system may include first and second conduits in which the first conduit may be an electrical conductor applied to the first plate, and the second conduit may be an electrical conductor applied to the second plate. The second conduit may be in communication with the first conduit across the space. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second conduits may be conductive bus bars wrapped around an edge of the respective first and second plates so as to have ends on opposing sides of the plates. In some embodiments, the system may include at least one electrical connector for attachment and electrical connection with at least one mating electrical connector. The electrical connector may extend from at least one of the first and second conduits on a side of the respective plate opposite the space. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a system for providing an electrical interface with moveable barriers may include a frame, a moveable barrier in mating engagement with the frame, a first communication module attached to the frame, and a second communication module attached to the moveable barrier. The second communication module may be in wireless communication with the first communication module. In some embodiments, the moveable barrier may be either a sliding window or an articulating window. In some embodiments, the wireless signal may confirm that the window is open or that the window is closed. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a system for providing an electrical interface between components outside of a building and components inside of a building in which a portion of the building is enclosed by at least one insulated glass unit having first and second glass substrates and an electrochromic device attached between the glass substrates may include a building frame in sealed engagement with first and second opposing sides of the glass substrates along a length of the substrates through seals simultaneously engaged with the frame and the substrate. They system may include at least a first conduit on the first opposing side of the first glass substrate. The first conduit may be at least one of (i) a flexible ribbon cable, (ii) a flexible printed circuit cable, and (iii) a conventional wire cable. The first conduit may be adapted for connection to a photovoltaic panel connector head on one end and a central connector on an opposite end. The first conduit may be configured to transmit or receive an electrical signal. The system may include at least a second conduit on the second opposing side of the second glass substrate. The second conduit may be at least one of (i) a flexible ribbon cable, (ii) a flexible printed circuit cable, and (iii) a conventional wire cable. The second conduit may be adapted for connection to an electronic control unit on one end and the central connector on an opposite end. The second conduit may be configured to transmit an electrical signal to, or receive an electrical signal from, the first conduit through at least one of (i) said seals, (ii) a space between said seals and said frame, and (iii) a space between said seals and said substrates. The central connector may contact at least a portion of outer faces of the first and second glass substrates in which the outer faces may be adjacent to the first and second opposing sides. The central connector may have a width with tapered edges at each end of the width. Such tapered edges may be adapted to contact the outer faces such that the central connector substantially forms a seal along the width of the central connector with both of the outer faces. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example of an architectural glazing frame system. 
         FIG. 2A  is an exploded view of a portion of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 2A  attached to a frame in which the photovoltaic panel and connections thereof shown in an exploded view. 
         FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional side view of the system of  FIG. 2A  in which an end of a conduit cable is attached to an on-frame controller module. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed perspective view of a connectivity harness engaged with an insulated glass unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional side view of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention having an on-frame controller module and electrical panel. 
         FIG. 4C  is a detailed perspective view of a connectivity harness engaged with an insulated glass unit of the system of  FIG. 4B . 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed perspective view of a connectivity harness engaged with an insulated glass unit for use in an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a connectivity harness. 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a connectivity harness in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6C  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a connectivity harness in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a detailed perspective view of a connectivity harness engaged with an insulated glass unit for use in an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a configuration of the insulated glass unit of  FIG. 7A  prior to the addition of a secondary seal fill. 
         FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of the insulated glass unit of  FIG. 7B  prior to insertion of an alternative configuration of the connectivity harness of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the architectural glazing frame system of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8C  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8D  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9A  shows exploded and perspective views of an insulated glass unit having a connectivity module connected thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the connectivity module of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10  shows exploded and perspective views of a portion of an insulated glass unit having a connectivity module connected thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a partially perspective and partially exploded view of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12A  shows exploded views of a portion of an insulated glass unit with a connectivity module connected thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12B  is a partially perspective and partially exploded view of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional side view of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15A  is a cross-sectional view of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of a portion of the system of  15 A prior to the filling of a secondary seal. 
         FIG. 16A  is a cross-sectional view of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16B  is a cross-sectional view of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of portions of a system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 17B  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an architectural glazing frame system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2C , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a connectivity harness  10  may be connected to the IGU  50  along a portion thereof. As shown, the connectivity harness  10  has a central connectivity module  11  for routing electrical signals between a conduit cable  20 , a panel connector  40 , and an IGU connector  60 . The connectivity module  11  may be placed at a portion of an insulator  57 . The insulator may be made of a dielectric material including, but not limited to, silicone and is provided or applied such that it surrounds the perimeter of the IGU  50 . The conduit cable  20  may extend from the connectivity module  11  around the inner glass lite  12  and between the inner seal  2  and the inner glass lite  12 . 
     In this example frame systems shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the frame  1  within an interior of a building may be in sealed engagement with the inner seal  2  of the IGU  50 . The frame  1  may further have a protruding member  14  in sealed engagement with the wall seal  8  between the IGU  50  and an adjacent IGU  150 . On a side of the IGU  50  opposite the frame  1 , an inner side of a first wall element  71 , which may have a hole for receiving a cable, may be in sealed engagement with the wall seal  8 . On the same inner side of the first wall element  71 , the first wall element  71  may additionally be in sealed engagement with an outer seal  3  of the IGU  50 . The first wall element  71 , which may be a pressure wall clamp plate assembly similar to the clamp plate  9 A shown in  FIG. 1 , may further be inserted within and/or partially enclosed by a second wall element  72 . In some embodiments, the second wall element  72  may be a pressure wall trim cap similar to the trim cap  9 B shown in  FIG. 1 . When a frame system is connected in the manner shown in  FIG. 2B , a combination of a portion of the frame  1  and its protruding member  9 , the wall seal  8 , the first wall element  71 , the inner and outer glass lites  12 ,  13  of the IGU  50 , and/or the inner and outer seals  2  and  3  may form a sealed glazing pocket. The connectivity module  11  may be connected to a connector attached by a cable or plug-in socket (not shown) of the IGU  50  within the glazing pocket. The connectivity module  11  also may be connected to other electrical devices outside of the glazing pocket through the conduit cable  20  on one end and a panel connector  40  as in  FIG. 1  or compression panel connector  135  as in  FIG. 2  on the other end, as well various other types of wired connections known to those of skill in the art as discussed further herein. In some embodiments, the conduit cable  20  of the connectivity harness  10  may be a flexible or “flex” printed circuit in the form of a ribbon. In such embodiments, the conduit cable  20  may include substrates which may be formed of adhesive based polyester (PET), PEN or polyimide (PI) films as well other adhesively or non-adhesively bonded dielectric materials. In some embodiments, flex printed circuits may be further composed of a conductive material such as copper or other conductive materials. Additionally, in some embodiments, the conduit cable  20  may have a decorative, e.g., rippled, and/or ultraviolet (UV) protective layer surrounding the various bonded layers. As in the example of  FIGS. 2A-2C  and other figures described further herein, the flex printed circuit may be substantially flat. Such flexible printed circuits may be composed of flexible, semi-flexible, and even rigid areas or any combination thereof as required for sealing the frame system, such that they may provide strength to the circuit and reduce the effort required to install such circuits within a frame system. 
     In some embodiments, the conduit cable  20  of the connectivity harness  10  may be connected to a controller module  80  housing an electronic controller. In some embodiments, the controller may be located within an on-frame controller module  180  as shown in  FIG. 2C . As further shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , in some embodiments, the connectivity module  11  of the connectivity harness  10  may be electrically connected to an electrical panel through a cable attached to a panel connector  40 . In some embodiments, the electrical panel may be an electrical panel  70 , having a plug  75  extending therefrom for attachment to the panel connector  40 . In some instances, the electrical panel  70  may be a PV panel or an electronics module. The connection between the plug  75  and the panel connector  40  may be a clip-type connection, an interface fit between the panel connector  40  and the plug  75 , or by other connectors known to those of skill in the art. In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2B , the connectivity harness  10  may be electrically connected to an electrical panel  170 , such as a PV panel, through a compression panel connector  135 . In such embodiments, the compression panel connector  135  may be inserted, through a threaded interface or an interference fit, to a mounting element  136  within the second wall element  72  to which the electrical panel  170  is attached. The electrical panel  170  may have contacts  138  extending toward the second wall element  72  at the location of the compression panel connector  135 . In this manner, the electrical panel  170  may rest against the second wall element  72  such that the contacts  138  of the electrical panel  170  are compressed against corresponding contacts on the compression panel connector  135 , electrically connecting the connectivity module  11  with the electrical panel  170 . 
     In some embodiments, a gasket  137  may be placed within a recess of the electrical panel  170  and around a perimeter of the mounting element  136 . The gasket  137  may provide a resistance to corrosion or shorting of the electrical circuit between the corresponding contacts of the compression panel connector  135  and the electrical panel  170 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in other embodiments, a connectivity harness  110  may have a connectivity module  111  placed against an insulator  57  of an IGU  50 . The connectivity harness  110  may further have a flex printed circuit  120  draped around an edge of the glass lite of the IGU  50  and angled to lie along the glass lite. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the connectivity harness  110  may be coated such that the connectivity module  111  and the flex printed circuit  120  form a continuous, single structure. In some embodiments, the combination of the connectivity module  111  and the flex printed circuit  120  may form a single flat laminate along a substantial portion of this combination. 
     In some embodiments, a multipoint connector  22  may be connected on an end of the flexible printed circuit  120 , extending away from the connectivity module  111 . The connector shown in  FIG. 3  is a pin-type out connector which may be used to interface with a controller, such as the controller module  80  shown in  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the connectivity module  111  may be attached to a connectivity interface  176  that may be used to split electrical signals transmitted to and from the connectivity module  111 . In this manner, as further shown in  FIG. 3 , the connectivity module  111  may be connected to an IGU plug  59  through an IGU connector  160  on an end of a cable extending from the connectivity interface  176 . The connectivity module  111  may also be connected to the plug  75  of an electrical panel through a panel connector  140  on an end of another cable extending from the connectivity interface  176 . It is to be appreciated that the low profile of the connectivity harness  110  allows the harness to be placed at locations around the perimeter of the IGU  50 . Also, the IGU plug  59  may optionally have a microcontroller chip contained therein that may store certain properties related to the IGU  50 , as detailed in U.S. Prov. Appl. No. 61/477,245, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     In other embodiments, such as those exemplified in  FIGS. 4A-4C , a connectivity harness  210  may be connected to the IGU  50  on an upper portion thereof within a glazing pocket (See, e.g.,  FIGS. 2B and 2C .). The connectivity harness  210  may have an inner printed circuit  220  that extends between the inner glass lite  12  and the inner seal  2  from a first portion of a connectivity module  211 . The harness  210  may additionally have an outer printed circuit  230  extending from a second portion of the connectivity module  211  and extending between the outer glass lite  13  and the outer seal  3 . As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , the inner and outer printed circuit ribbons may be in the form of substantially flat ribbons. As shown in  FIG. 4B , in some embodiments, the connectivity harness  210  may be used to connect a controller that may be within an on-frame controller module  280  on an interior of a building to an electrical panel  270 , such as a PV panel, on an exterior of a building. In some embodiments, it is believed that the use of two flexible circuit ribbons in the connectivity harness  210  may reduce or eliminate the need to drill holes through the frame elements to connect the IGU to electronic interfaces on the interior and exterior of buildings utilizing architectural glazing systems. 
     As shown in the detailed view of  FIG. 4C , the connectivity harness  210  may connect to the IGU  50  through an IGU connector  260  extending from the connectivity module  211 . In some embodiments, the IGU connector  260  may extend from a cable attached to the connectivity module  211  in a direction substantially along the insulator  57  between the two glass lites of the IGU  50 . The insulator  57  may be recessed below end surfaces of each of the two glass lites. When the insulator  57  is recessed in this manner, the IGU connector  260  and the cable connecting it to the connectivity module  211  may extend along the insulator  57  between each of the two glass lites without contacting the frame into which the IGU is installed. Either or both of the flex printed circuits  220  and  230  may extend from the portion of the connectivity harness  210  housing the connectivity module  211  by wrapping around the end surfaces of the corresponding glass lites and then by extending along the corresponding glass lites. In wrapping around each of the glass lites, either or both of the flex printed circuits  220  and  230 , in some embodiments, may be flush against these edges. In some embodiments, the edges of each of the glass lites may be radiused to improve the engagement between the flex printed circuits and the glass surfaces as a weather-tight seal is preferred. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 4C , the inner flex printed circuit  220  may have a multicircuit connector  231  on an end thereof. In some embodiments, multicircuit  231  may be a ZIF-type connector, such as those used to connect to a multicircuit control module. As shown in the example of  FIG. 4C , the outer flex printed circuit  230  may employ a contact  232  on an end of the flex printed circuit  230  for contacting and electrically communicating with a terminal of an electrical panel such as a PV panel. In this example, the ends of the outer printed circuit  230  may be affixed to the electrical panel by fasteners inserted into the holes  234  shown in  FIG. 4C . 
     In a variation of the connectivity harness  210 , as shown in the example of  FIG. 5 , a connectivity harness  310  may be connected to an IGU  350  without the use of cables. In some embodiments employing this configuration, a connectivity module  311  may have pin-type terminals for insertion into socket-type terminals, at a position along the perimeter of the IGU  350 . These types of terminals are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In preferred embodiments, an insulator  357  may be placed inwardly of end surfaces of inner and outer glass lites toward the center of the IGU  350  to form a recessed region in the IGU  350 . In this manner, the IGU  350  may accommodate placement of the connectivity module  311  within this recessed region such that the module  311  sits below the end surfaces of the two glass lites. 
     Various configurations of the flex circuit designs are possible to achieve the interior and exterior connections described herein with respect to each of  FIGS. 2A-5 . In some embodiments, the flex printed circuits may be flat ribbons having a consistent thickness across a width of the ribbon which may range from about 0.008 inches to about 0.015 inches. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , and in accordance with some embodiments, a flex printed circuit ribbon  410 A may be formed of three distinct layers  415 A,  415 B, and  415 C in which each layer may have a uniform thickness across an entire width of the layers. In this manner, the ribbon  410 A may have a uniform total thickness by stacking and bonding the top layer  415 A onto an intermediate layer  415 B which is then stacked and bonded onto a bottom layer  415 C. As further shown in  FIG. 7 , when the three layers  415 A,  415 B, and  415 C are stacked together, they have a substantially consistent width such that they form a flat edge  414 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 6A , at locations across the width of the flex printed circuit ribbon  410 A may be conductors, such as copper traces, running through a series of layers  415 A-C. When the printed circuit ribbon  410 A is placed on an edge of a glass lite substrate  412  for use in an architectural glazing frame system, the flat-edge design may seal along a majority of an interface between the ribbon  410 A and the glass lite substrate  412 . However, such a design may leave a gap along a portion of the flat edge when the printed circuit ribbon  410 A is inserted between a seal  402  and a glass lite substrate  412  due to limitations on the elasticity of the seal  402 . It is believed that these limitations prevent the seal  402  from fully conforming to the surface of the printed circuit ribbon  410 A. To fully seal across the interface between the connectivity harness and the glass lite substrate, an additional sealing mechanism, such as a bead of silicone caulk, may need to be applied to the gap. 
     In accordance with other embodiments, a flex printed circuit ribbon  410 B may be formed by bonding a top layer  416 A onto an intermediate layer  416 B such that an edge of the top layer  416 A is set inwardly from the edge of the intermediate layer  416 B relative to limits of the width of the flex printed circuit ribbon  410 B. Similarly, the intermediate layer  416 B may be bonded onto a bottom layer  416 C such that the edge of the intermediate layer  416 B is set inwardly from an edge of the bottom layer  416 C relative to the width of the ribbon  410 B. In this manner, when the ribbon  410 B is inserted within a sealed region of an architectural glazing frame system, such as in the region between the seal  402  and the glass lite substrate  412 , it is believed that a series of small gaps may be formed at the interfaces between the seal  402  and each of the edges of the layers  416 A-C. Such gaps are primarily due to the limits on the elasticity on the seal  402 . However, it is believed that the gaps formed between each layer and the contacting seal in such a configuration would be smaller than the gaps formed between the layers and seal in the configuration in which the layers have aligned edges, such as when using the connectivity harness  410 A. In a variation of the example of  FIG. 6B , a layer or layers similar to layers  416 A-C of a flex printed circuit ribbon  410 C may have a tapered edge  417  that tapers from a surface of the ribbon  410 C opposite a surface of the ribbon  410 C that contacts the glass lite substrate  412  toward a tip  418 . It is believed that the use of such a taper may reduce or eliminate the formation of a step and thus reduce or eliminate gaps between the glass lite substrate and the flex printed circuit ribbon. When forming a tapered edge with multiple layers, the taper may be formed simultaneously across the multiple layers, such as through a cutting operation, after bonding the multiple layers together to aid in reducing or eliminating steps being formed by offsetting edges of the respective layers. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , in some embodiments, conduit cables of a connectivity harness  1110  may be inner and outer flexible ribbon cables  1120 ,  1130 . Such flexible ribbon cables may have a jacket surrounding and conforming to the rounded shape of wires, which may be made of copper or other electrically conductive materials, running along the connectivity harness. As the jacket conforms to the shape of the wires running through the connectivity harness  1110 , it is believed that indentations or ripples may be formed on the surface of the connectivity harness  1110 . The jacket may be made from a low durometer elastomer such as, but not limited to, rubber, silicone, or polyurethane, that allows compression against the surface of the connectivity harness  1110  to mold the jacket to the surface against which it is compressed. This allows the connectivity harness  1110  to form a tight seal between a first side of the inner and outer flex circuit ribbons  1120 ,  1130 , and an IGU  1150  to which the connectivity harness  1110  may be connected. The compressibility of the inner and outer flex ribbon cables  1120 ,  1130  may also allow the connectivity harness  1110  to form a tight seal between inner and outer seals in mating engagement with the respective ribbons and the IGU  1150 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7B , an IGU wire harness connector  1175  may extend from the IGU  1150 . In some embodiments, sockets  1176  provided within the connector  1175  may receive terminals extending from a connectivity module, such as the connectivity module  1111  of the connectivity harness  1110  or a connectivity module  1211  of a connectivity harness  1210 . The connectivity modules  1111  and  1211  may be inserted similarly into the connector  1175  of the IGU  1150 . However, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the inner and outer flex ribbons  1120  and  1130  of the connectivity harness  1110  may be integrated such that when connectivity harness  1110  is inserted into the IGU  1150 , the jacket thereof covers at least a majority of the connectivity module  1111 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7C , inner and outer flex ribbons  1220  extend from the connectivity module  1211  but, in contrast to the connectivity harness  1110 , do not share the same jacket. In this manner, a surface of the connectivity module  1211  remains exposed upon insertion of the module  1211  into the IGU wire harness connector  1275  of the IGU  1150 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7B , connectors  1177  may be on opposing ends of the IGU wire harness  1175  and may be attached to wires  1178  running along spacer  1105 . In this manner, the wires  1178  may be used to electrically connect the IGU wire harness  1175  to the IGU  1150  at a different location than the location of the physical interface of a connectivity harness, such as connectivity harnesses  1110  and  1210 , in the sockets  1176  of the IGU wire harness connector  1175 . As shown in  FIG. 7C , in some embodiments, an insulator  1157  may encapsulate the wires  1178  and portions of the IGU wire harness connector  1175 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8D , a number of configurations of flexible ribbon cables may be used in conjunction with IGUs. In some embodiments, as in  FIG. 8A , a connectivity harness  1110 A may have a dielectric sheath  1131 A forming a jacket over parallel or at least substantially parallel wires  1132  extending through a length of the sheath and having a tapered edge  1117  that tapers in a direction away from a center of the sheath  1131 A from a surface of the sheath opposite a surface thereof contacting a glass substrate  412  to a tip  418  at an extreme boundary. In other configurations of flexible ribbon cables, as shown in  FIGS. 8B and 8C , connectivity harnesses  1110 B and  1110 C may have respective dielectric sheaths  1131 B and  1131 C with respective rounded edges  1117 B and  1117 C. In still other configurations, as shown in  FIG. 8D , a connectivity harness  1110 D may have a dielectric sheath  1131 D with a dual tapered edge  1117 D that tapers from opposing surfaces of the sheath  1131 D. It is believed that among these configurations, the tapered edge  1117 A may provide the smallest gaps between interfaces of the connectivity harness, the glass lite, and the seal covering the harness and glass lite. However, additional configurations of edges may be utilized in conjunction with connectivity harnesses. 
     In some embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 C, and  8 D, the connectivity harness  1110 A,  1110 B,  1110 D, may have a dielectric sheath that forms ripples or waves over wires running through the sheath. It is to be appreciated that when the connectivity harness  410 C is placed between the seal  402  and the glass lite substrate  412 , the gradual slopes of any ripples and of the tapered edge  417  across the width of the connectivity harness  410 C may allow the elastic seal  402  to expand and fill the gaps along the surface of the connectivity harness  410 C. In other embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 8B , the connectivity harness  1110 C may have a substantially flat profile across its width. It is believed that such a profile may allow the connectivity harness  410 C to have few if any gaps at the interface between the connectivity harness  410 C and the seal  402 , reducing the need for additional sealants, such as caulk, relative to similar interfaces having either or both of a greater number of gaps and larger gaps. Such flexible ribbon cables may have a thickness ranging from about 0.035 to about 0.040 inches across a width thereof. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , in some embodiments, the seal  402  may be a compression seal. In such configurations, the installation of the IGU may cause a compression loading between the flexible ribbon cable of a connectivity harness such as the connectivity harnesses  1110 A-D. When seal  402  is a compression seal, the seal may distort to match the form of the ribbon cable to create a seal. It is believed that when the ribbon cable has a sufficiently low profile across its width, additional sealants, such as silicone caulk, may not be required to create a sufficient seal. However, such sealants may be utilized with configurations having a compression seal where required. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9A , a connectivity module  511  may be inserted within a hoop of a spacer  555  of an IGU  550 . As shown in  FIG. 9B , the connectivity module  511  may have a panel connector  560  for attachment to the inner portion of and in electrical engagement with the spacer  555 . The connectivity module  511  may have an inner connector (not shown)  520  and an outer connector  530  for attachment to electrical components on each side of the spacer  555 . In some embodiments, the inner and outer connectors may be in electrical communication with each other, the panel connector  560 , or any combination of these. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , holes may be formed, for instance by drilling, within an inner glass lite  512  and an outer glass lite  513  of an IGU  550 . The holes of the glass lites  512 ,  513  may be placed around the inner and outer connectors  520 ,  530  to enable the electrical components to be inserted therein and to connect to the inner and outer connectors  520 ,  530 . In this manner, components on the exterior of a building can be electrically connected to components on the interior of a building while still using conventional building seals. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , a spacer  655  of an IGU  650  is modified to have an inward bend  656  at a portion of the spacer  655  to accommodate a connectivity module  611  at the point of the inward bend  656 . When the connectivity module is placed into the inward bend  656  of the spacer  655 , an outer portion  657  of the spacer  655  may be flush with a face of the connectivity module  611 . As further shown in  FIG. 10 , holes may be formed within an inner glass lite  612  and an outer glass lite  613  of the IGU  650 . In some embodiments, the holes may be placed around an inner connector  620  (not shown) and an outer connector  630 . In the example of  FIG. 10 , the inner and outer connectors  620 ,  630  may be connected to electrical components that may be inserted therein as shown in  FIG. 10 , or thereabout as in other embodiments not shown. In the example shown in  FIG. 10 , the IGU  650  may be placed into an architectural glazing frame system with inner and outer seals placed along a top portion of the IGU  650  and between the IGU  650  and portions of a frame system. In such a configuration in which the connectivity module  611  is placed along a horizontal portion of the IGU  650 , the inner and outer connectors  620 ,  630  of the connectivity module  611  may be accessible through holes within the inner and outer seals. In other configurations in which the connectivity module  611  is placed along vertical portions, inner and outer connectors  620 ,  630  may be accessible outside of a frame which may allow for connection to a controller or control module placed on an exterior of a frame. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another variation of a connectivity module placed outside of a hoop of a spacer. In this example, a connectivity module  711  is placed on an outer vertical portion of an IGU  750 . In some embodiments, as is shown in  FIG. 11 , a portion of the connectivity module  711  may extend through an indentations along a side of the IGU  750  including indentations within glass lites  712 ,  713  in order to reduce the extent that the connectivity module protrudes from the IGU  750  and interferes with the proper sealing thereof. Due to the location of the connectivity module  711  around the IGU  750 , inner and outer connectors  720 ,  730  of the connectivity module  711  extend beyond the respective inner and outer glass lites  712 ,  713  of the IGU  750  below the respective building frame and opposing wall elements. In this manner, the inner connector  720  may be connected to a controller plug  780  attached to the exterior of the frame, and the outer connector  730  may be connected to a panel plug  775  attached along a bottom portion of an electrical panel  770 . The electrical panel  770  may be a PV panel or an electronics module on the exterior of a building. As further shown in  FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, the controller plug  780  and the panel plug  775  may have male pins for connection to female terminals on the inner and outer connectors  720 ,  730 . Any number of pins may be used depending on the desired application for the electrical connections. In some embodiments, either or both of the inner and outer connectors may provide male connections, and the controller and panel plugs may provide female connections. As further shown in  FIG. 11 , a controller plug seal  781  may be placed at the interface between the controller plug  780  and the inner connector  720 . Additionally, a panel plug seal  776  may be placed at the interface between the panel plug  775  and the outer connector  730 . 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  show exemplify another embodiment of a connectivity module placed on an outer portion of an IGU. In this example, a connectivity module  811  may be attached to an outer portion of a spacer  855  of an IGU  850  such that the connectivity module forms the corner of the IGU  850 . The connectivity module  811  may be attached to the spacer  855  through any type of fastener or adhesive or by other connection processes. As shown in  FIG. 12A , a controller plug  820  and a panel plug  830  may be inserted on opposite sides of the connectivity module  811  to form a connectivity assembly  810 . A controller connector  822  may extend from one end of a cable that extends on an opposite end thereof from the controller plug  820 . As shown in  FIG. 12A , the controller connector  822  may be connected to a controller module  880 . In some embodiments, the controller module  880  and the controller connector  822  may be placed within a trim cover  881  for housing the controller module  880  when IGU  850  is placed in an architectural glazing frame system. In some embodiments, there may be a notch  882  formed at a portion of the trim cover  881  adjacent to the controller plug  820  to allow at least a portion of the controller plug  820  to be inserted into the trim cover  881 . In other embodiments, extending from a cable attached to the panel plug  830  may be a panel connector  840  for connecting to a respective electrical panel  870 , such as a PV panel. 
     In a variation of the embodiment of  FIG. 12A , attached to one side of the connectivity module  811  may be an interface block  835  as shown in  FIG. 12B . The interface block  835  may have a thickness allowing it to extend beyond first and second wall elements  871  and  872  of a framing system. As further shown in  FIG. 12B  a panel connector  845  may be attached to the interface block  835  and the electrical panel  870  and provide an electrical interface between these components. Through the use of the interface block  835 , the physical connection between the electrical panel  870  and the connectivity module  811  uses a smaller length of flexible cable and provides more rigidity to this connection. 
     In variations of the embodiments of  FIGS. 9A-12B , a hole or a plurality of holes may pass through the connectivity module at the positions of the inner and outer connectors to allow wires or cables to pass therethrough. In such a configuration, the components on the exterior of a building may be directly connected to the components on the interior of the building. 
     In other embodiments as shown in the examples of  FIGS. 13 and 14 , electrical interfaces may be made across an IGU without the use of cable, wires, or other conductors crossing the planes through the inner and outer glass lites of the IGU. In  FIG. 13 , a controller module  910  in communication with a controller  980  may transmit and receive electrical signals to and from a panel module  911  in communication with an electrical panel  970 . Significantly, such signals may be transmitted wirelessly through both the inner and outer glass lites  912 ,  913  of an IGU  950 . In some embodiments, the controller module  910  may be affixed to an inner glass lite  912  of the IGU  950  and the panel module  911  may be similarly affixed to an outer glass lite  913  at a position nearest to the controller module  910  to reduce the spacing between the modules. It is believed that this reduced spacing will improve the signal strength received by each module from the corresponding module. Such wireless systems are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/354,863 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,089, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  980  may have a wired connection to a controller module  910  near the controller, such as in the example of  FIG. 13 , while in other embodiments the controller may have an additional wireless connection to the controller module. An additional wireless connection to the controller module may allow the controller to be placed elsewhere within a frame without having to drill through the frame. Similarly, the panel module may have a wired or wireless connection to the electrical panel. 
     In the example of  FIG. 14 , spacing between a controller module and a panel module is further reduced relative to the spacing of these modules in the example of  FIG. 13 . As shown, in some embodiments, a controller module  1010  may be affixed to a side of an outer glass lite  1013  at a location opposite a panel module  1011  of an IGU  1050 . In this manner, the controller module and the panel module may be separated only by the thickness of the single pane of the glass lite. It is believed that this separation will further increase the signal strength received by each of the modules from the other module. Although the controller module  1010  may be connected wirelessly to an adjacent controller  1080  in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 14 , where a wired connection is desired, a hole may be formed within the inner glass lite  1012  to accommodate the wire from the controller module  1010  to the controller  1080 . In preferred embodiments, when a hole is formed within the inner glass lite  1012 , a portion of a spacer and insulative material may be used to surround the controller module to provide rigidity to the IGU around the formed hole, to prevent electrical interference by the inserted controller module, and to seal the IGU. 
     The wireless signals may be generated by a variety of devices and processes known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, magnetic fields may be produced by electrical inductors, which may or may not be resonantly coupled, that pass energy through the glass lites. In some instances, the electrical inductors may be coils printed onto the glass lites which supply a magnetic field when a current is passed through the coils. In other embodiments, controller and panel modules may transfer energy through the glass lites through the use of electromagnetic energy, such as visible or infrared light, which may be in the form of a laser. In still other embodiments, ultrasonic transceivers may pass energy acoustically through the IGU or other portion of the framing system. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , an inner bus layer  1551  and an outer bus layer  1552  may be formed around edges of respective inner glass lite  1512  and outer glass lite  1513  of an IGU  1550  such that opposite ends of the respective bus layers  1551 ,  1552  lie on opposing surfaces of the glass lites  1512 ,  1513 , i.e., on the inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces of the IGU  1550  that typically face the interior or exterior of a structure or building in which the IGU may be placed. The inner and outer bus layers  1551 ,  1552  may be fixed to the glass lites through adhesive or non-adhesive bonding or firing. The bus layers  1551 ,  1552  may be made of electrically conductive materials such as copper, silver, or carbon, and alloys thereof. As best shown in  FIG. 15A , in some embodiments, one or both of the inner and outer bus layers may run along the outwardly facing surfaces of the IGU  1550  between an inner seal  1502  and the glass lite  1512  and between an outer seal  1503  and glass lite  1513  when the bus layers are so extended. 
     One or both of an inner connector  1531  and an outer connector  1532  may extend from and be electrically connected to either or both of the respective inner and outer bus layers  1551 ,  1552  on respective ends of the bus layers on the outwardly facing surfaces of the IGU  1550 . In this manner, the inner and outer connectors  1531 ,  1532  may serve as electrical conduits to other devices such as PV panels, light sensors, thermal sensors, other IGUs, control modules, and other electrical components on either side of the IGU  1550 . One or both of an inner connection tab  1553  and an outer connection tab  1554 , which in some embodiments may be solder joints, may extend from respective ends of the bus layers on the inwardly facing surfaces of the glass lites of the IGU  1550 . In this manner, the inner and outer connection tabs  1553 ,  1554  may be connected to opposite ends of a bridging cable  1504  such that the inner and outer bus layers and thus components electrically connected thereto are in electrical communication. In some embodiments an insulator  1557 , such as insulators described previously herein, may be applied around the edge of the IGU  1550  to seal the bridging cable  1504 . The insulator  1557  may act as a secondary seal to inner and outer spacer seals  1561 ,  1562 , which may be formed of polyisobutylene (PIB) material or other appropriate materials known to those of skill in the art, that may be placed between opposing sides of a spacer  1505  and the glass lites  1512 ,  1513 . 
     In some embodiments, either or both of the portions of the bus layers on the inwardly facing surfaces of the glass lites may extend along the inwardly facing surfaces such that the bus layers so extending do so between the spacer  1505  and the respective glass lites  1512 .  1513 . In this manner, either or both of the bus layers may be connected to electronic devices within the sealed region of the IGU  1550  inside the perimeter or hoop of the spacer  1505 . 
     As detailed in  FIG. 15B , in some embodiments, prior to the application of the insulator  1557 , jumpers  1562  may be extend from and be electrically connected to either or both of the inner and outer bus layers  1551 ,  1552 . Such jumpers  1562  may be wires, collections of wires, ribbon cables, or other electrical conductors. As shown, in some embodiments, the jumpers  1562  may extend from the bus layers  1551 ,  1552  on one end and connect to one or more connectivity tabs  1563  located at positions on the IGU  1550  around the perimeter. In this manner, in some embodiments, the bus layers  1551 ,  1552  may be electrically connected to portions of the IGU  1550  such as electrochromic devices thereof known to those of skill in the art. Optionally, a bus layer cover  1565  may be placed over exposed portions of the inner and outer bus layers  1551 ,  1552 , in particular on the portions along the outwardly facing surfaces of the IGU  1550 . The bus layer cover  1565  may be a protective dielectric film or a tape, such as but not limited to polyimide tape, polyester tape, or a mylar sheet, for reducing the risk of wear on the bus layers during installation of the IGU. 
     It must be noted that the system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary as described previously herein may be used with various types of framing systems. The frame  1  in the example of  FIG. 1  is part of a typical commercial framing system termed a “pressure plate” system used for curtain walls and skylights. These types of systems often have IGUs installed from the exterior in which the primary building seal may be the interior most seal, such as the inner seal  2 . The pressure plate  9 A and pressure plate wall seal  8  and trim cap  9 B may also be installed from the exterior. 
     In contrast, in another typical commercial framing system termed a “store front” framing system, such as the framing system shown in  FIG. 16A , an IGU is typically installed from the interior. In these systems, a clamp seal  1602  may be seated between a clamp channel  1609  (also known as a clamp plate or IGU plate) and an IGU  1650  on a side of the IGU away from the exterior of the framing system, i.e., an outdoor environment. A frame  1601  may inserted through the clamp channel  1609  between the IGU  1650  and an adjacent IGU. A frame seal  1603  may be seated between the IGU  1650  and the frame  1601  on a side of the IGU  1650  opposite the interface of the IGU  1650  with the clamp seal  1602 . In such configurations, the frame seal  1603  may serve as the primary building seal. In this configuration, a connectivity harness  1610  may be placed adjacent to and may be connected to the IGU  1650  within a pocket formed by the intersection of the clamp channel  1609 , the outer seal  1603 , the frame  1601 , and an inner seal  1602  seated between the frame  1601  and the IGU  1650 . In a manner similar to the passing of the inner and outer printed circuits  220 ,  230  through the IGU  50  as shown in the example of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , inner and outer printed circuits  1620 ,  1630  may be passed between the IGU  1650  and the respective inner and outer seals  1602 ,  1603 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16B , a simple residential framing system, such as the framing system shown in  FIG. 16B , may have but is not limited to, hollow channel profile formed by a clamp  1709  pressed against a frame  1701  to maintain upright and surround an edge of an IGU  1750 . As the clamp  1709  may be pressed from either of the interior or exterior of the framing system based on a residential window manufacturer&#39;s IGU and frame design, a corresponding IGU may be inserted from either of the interior or exterior in such framing systems. Accordingly, the primary building seal location may vary between inside or outside types based on a window manufacturer&#39;s designs. In either primary building seal location configuration, first and second printed circuits  1702 ,  1703  of a connectivity harness  1710  inserted between the frame  1701  and the edge of the IGU  1750  may be passed between the IGU  1750  and the respective first and second printed circuits  1720 ,  1730 . In this manner, as for any of the known architectural framing systems described previously herein, electrical components on opposite sides of the IGU may be electrical connected to one another through the connectivity harness with little or no modification to the structure of the frame. 
     Additionally, any embodiments previously described and illustrated herein may have been described as having electrical connections, such as but not limited to flexible printed circuits, flexible ribbon cables, wires, and collections of wires that pass through any of at least (i) a seal, (ii) a space between a seal and a frame, and (iii) a space between a seal or a substrate, such as a glass lite of an IGU. However, it should be noted that any of these electrical connections may similarly pass at least (i) through a seal, (ii) between a space between a seal and a frame, and (iii) between a space between a seal and a substrate in other embodiments. For example, as shown in  FIG. 17A , inner and outer seals  602 ,  603  may be similar in all respects to inner seal  2  and outer seal  3  as shown in  FIG. 1  except that the seals may have respective notches  604 ,  605  to allow a conduit cable, such as a ribbon cable or printed circuit as described previously herein, to be inserted therein. In some instances, additional sealing mechanisms, such as silicone caulk, may be used in conjunction with the inner and outer seals  602 ,  603  to seal the interface between the inner and outer seals  602 ,  603  and an IGU against which the seals may be placed when the notches  604 ,  605  are too large to compress cables extending from a connectivity harness  1810 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17B , in some embodiments, the cables of the connectivity harness  1810  may be passed through seals such as the seal  702  having a slot  705  extending entirely through the seal  702  along a width of the seal. In such configurations, the seal  702  may provide sufficient sealing against the ribbon of the connectivity harness  1810  when under a compressive load, e.g., when compressed between an IGU and a frame, such that no additional sealing mechanism is required. However, other sealing mechanisms may be used as necessary as described previously herein. 
     Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and not exhaustive of the principles and applications of the present invention. Thus, various features of one embodiment may be interchanged with features of another embodiment disclosed previously herein. For instance, a flexible printed circuit ribbon may be replaced by a flexible ribbon cable or by a standard wire or collection of wires which may have been illustrated with respect to one embodiment herein. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.