Poly(butyl acrylate)-based composition for electrochromic device having transparency and elasticity and manufacturing method of electrochromic member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochromic devices face issues with flexibility, moisture resistance, and manufacturing efficiency, particularly those using liquid electrochromic materials that can leak and require additional protection layers.

Innovation Solution

A composition for electrochromic devices comprising poly(butyl acrylate) as a light-transmitting polymer resin, combined with a cross-linking agent, an initiator, and an ionic liquid, along with an electrochromic material, to create a flexible and moisture-resistant electrochromic member, utilizing a simple manufacturing method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a liquid electrochromic material is used, then the device can achieve color changes, but the electrolyte leaks out and the device cannot be made flexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor change functionVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using a solidified water-based electrolyte. This parameter change eliminates leakage while maintaining ionic conductivity, and enables flexibility because the solid electrolyte can be integrated into flexible substrates without the structural constraints of liquid containment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining poly(butyl acrylate) polymer matrix with solidified water-based electrolyte. This composite material provides both the mechanical flexibility of the polymer and the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and functional reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a solidified water-based electrolyte is used, then leakage is prevented, but additional protection layers are required to prevent water evaporation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidnumber of protection layers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The poly(butyl acrylate) polymer matrix serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables flexibility, and acts as a moisture barrier to prevent water evaporation from the solidified electrolyte. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection layers, reducing device complexity while maintaining leakage prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If complex manufacturing processes are used to achieve flexibility and moisture resistance, then device performance is improved, but production efficiency decreases and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the moisture barrier function and flexibility into a single poly(butyl acrylate) polymer matrix layer, eliminating the need for separate protection layers. This merging of functions simplifies the manufacturing process to a single coating and curing step, thereby improving production efficiency while maintaining moisture resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses photopolymerization as a simple parameter change (liquid monomer to solid polymer) to achieve both moisture resistance and flexibility in one step. This single parameter change replaces complex multi-step manufacturing processes, improving productivity while achieving the required performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides optical transmission, elasticity, and moisture resistance, enabling applications in various fields while reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

An electrochromic device is a device that includes an electrochromic material and has color changes by voltage applied from the outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

the color is reversibly changed by voltage applied to the electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

A composition for an electrochromic device includes a light-transmitting polymer resin, a cross-linking agent, an initiator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS12486396B2Poly(butyl acrylate)-based composition for electrochromic device having transparency and elasticity and manufacturing method of electrochromic member

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 KOREA UNIV OF TECH & EDUCATION IND UNIV COOPERATION FOUND

AI summary

The present invention relates to a poly(butyl acrylate)-based composition for an electrochromic device having transparency and elasticity and a manufacturing method of an electrochromic member, wherein the composition for an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light-transmitting polymer resin, a cross-linking agent, an initiator, an ionic liquid, and an electrochromic material, wherein the light-transmitting polymer resin is poly(butyl acrylate).