Electro-optic Element Additive for Moisture Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electro-optic elements face degradation due to the introduction of water molecules and impurities, which is exacerbated in large devices like windows and sunroofs exposed to high moisture levels, leading to durability issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an organosilicon additive, such as (3-cyanopropyl) dimethylfluorosilane, between the substrates to inhibit the production and accumulation of hydrogen fluoride, thereby enhancing the durability and stability of the electro-optic element by reducing the reaction with water and improving compatibility with Li+ cations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electro-optic element is made large (for windows and sunroofs), then the application scope and utility are improved, but the difficulty of preventing water molecule introduction increases and durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an organosilicon compound as an intermediary substance between the electrolyte and water. This compound reacts with water to form a protective layer that prevents water from reaching and degrading the electrolyte, thereby protecting the electro-optic element while maintaining its large size for window and sunroof applications
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optic element performs self-protection by utilizing the reactive properties of the organosilicon compound to automatically form a protective barrier when exposed to moisture. The system self-regulates by consuming water through the chemical reaction, eliminating the need for external protective mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electro-optic element is exposed to high moisture environments, then the practical utility is improved, but the degradation rate increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of moisture into a beneficial protective mechanism. The water that would normally degrade the electrolyte instead reacts with the organosilicon compound to form a protective layer, effectively transforming the harmful moisture into a self-protecting barrier that enhances durability in high-moisture environments
3Ease of operation
If hydrolysable fluoride containing anions (such as tetrafluoroborate or hexafluorophosphate) are used in the electrolyte, then the electro-optic performance is improved, but the formation of hydrogen fluoride increases and durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The organosilicon compound acts as an intermediary that intercepts water molecules before they can react with the hydrolysable fluoride anions. This prevents the formation of hydrogen fluoride while allowing the electrolyte to maintain its optimal performance characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte system self-regulates by utilizing the organosilicon compound to preferentially react with water, thereby protecting the fluoride anions from hydrolysis and preventing harmful hydrogen fluoride formation while maintaining electro-optic functionality
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 significantly enhances the durability and moisture tolerance of electro-optic elements, particularly in high-moisture environments, while maintaining improved solvent stability and reducing the formation of hydrogen fluoride, thus preventing degradation of electrodes and substrates.
Implementation Method 1
the additive may be operable to inhibit at least one of the production and the accumulation of hydrogen fluoride by interaction of the electrolyte with water
Implementation Method 2
The electro-optic medium may be operable between substantially activated and un-activated states based, at least in part, on exposure to an electrical potential. The operation between the substantially activated and un-activated states may correspond to variable transmissivity
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optic element having enhanced durability by the addition of an additive. The additive may enhance the durability of the electro-optic element by reducing or eliminating the effects of water on species with the electro-optic element, such as the electrolyte. Specifically, the additive may operate to reduce or eliminate the formation and/or accumulation of hydrogen fluoride within the electro-optic element by interaction of the electrolyte with water or alcohol molecules. In some embodiments, the additive may be an organosilicon species, such as (3-cyanopropyl) dimethylfluorosilane.