Multi-color systems, low vapor pressure solvent, and array dimming controls for electrochromic devices

Abstract

The present invention provides apparatus and methods for multi-color electrochromic devices, an electrolyte for electrochromic devices comprising gamma-butyrolactone (gamma-butyrolactone), and electrochromic device control systems and methods. In one embodiment, pixels of a first color electrochromic material, i.e. pigment, are arranged in first areas (730) on a substrate (710) with pixels of a second color electrochromic material in second areas (733) to define a two-dimensional pattern of the first and second color. When the applied electric field or current supplied is changed, the device may produce the respective colors of the electrochromic materials and may produce a blended color because of the pixel arrangement. The electrolyte (740) may include polymethymetacrylate. In another embodiment, the electrolyte may further include a salt, and may include propylene carbonate. In a further embodiment, a window system includes a plurality of transparent windows, a plurality of electrochromics devices, a plurality of control modules, and a main controller.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This patent application is related to: U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 974251, filed October 27, 2004, Attorney Docket No. BING-1-11085, entitled "Multi-color Electrochromic Apparatus and Methods"; filed in 2004 U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 974088, filed October 27, Attorney Docket No. BING-1-11086, entitled "Low Vapor Pressure for Electrochromic Devices"; filed October 27, 2004, Attorney U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 974,240, Docket No. BING-1-11087, entitled "Dimming Control System for an Array of Electrochromic Devices"; and Xu et al., issued June 8, 2004, entitled "Electrochromic Organic Polymer Syntheses and Devices Utilizing Electrochromic Organic Polymers", U.S. Patent No. 6,747,780, which patent applications or patents are incorporated herein by reference. [0003] priority [0004] This non-provisional patent application asserts U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 552,453, filed March 12, 2004, U...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The monochromatic electrochromic device cannot produce multicolored display logos, architectural patterns or images when the electrochromic layer is activated

[0011] While drop-down shades for aircraft windows in the passenger cabin may seem simple, the mechanics of integrating them into the aircraft are complex and labor intensive to install and maintain relative to other options that are emerging

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