Electrochromic Array Partition Walls for Pixel Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic device arrays face challenges in precise color discoloration due to image diffusion caused by the connected electrolyte between substrates, limiting their application to whole-window or mirror-like devices rather than pixel-specific displays.
Innovation Solution
An active matrix electrochromic device array with a partition wall structure for electrolyte separation, using a photoresist to form non-porous walls that isolate each pixel, allowing for independent electrolyte filling and improved contrast ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the electrolyte is connected between upper and lower substrates in a conventional electrochromic device array, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but image diffusion occurs and precise pixel-level color control cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented by introducing partition walls that divide the electrolyte into isolated pixel-level spaces. This segmentation prevents ion diffusion between adjacent pixels while maintaining the overall device structure, enabling precise pixel-level color control without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls are strategically positioned only where needed to isolate pixel electrolytes, while other areas maintain the conventional simple structure. This local modification approach achieves precise color control without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If partition walls are introduced to isolate electrolyte for each pixel, then image diffusion is prevented and pixel-level control is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls act as intermediary structures that separate pixel electrolytes. By using these intermediary elements, the patent achieves precise pixel-level control while the walls themselves are designed to be integrated into the existing manufacturing process, minimizing the impact on ease of manufacture
3Illumination intensity
If the electrolyte is shared across all pixels, then the device structure is simple, but contrast ratio is reduced due to image diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte space is segmented into isolated pixel compartments using partition walls. This segmentation prevents cross-pixel ion diffusion that causes image diffusion, thereby improving contrast ratio while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
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 partition wall structure effectively prevents image diffusion, enabling precise pixel-level control and enhancing the contrast ratio, thus allowing for more versatile applications beyond whole-window or mirror-like displays.
Implementation Method 1
a partition wall between the first substrate and the second substrate so as to support the first substrate and the second substrate having a distance therebetween, the first and second substrate having isolating spaces therebetween corresponding to the plurality of pixel electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The electrochromic device involves using a principle by which ions or electrons included in an electrolyte migrate into an electrochromic layer, and participate in a redox reaction when an electrical potential difference is applied
Implementation Method 3
The partition wall may be formed by extending toward an outer region of an area including the plurality of pixel electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An active matrix electrochromic device array and a method of manufacturing the active matrix electrochromic device array may include a first substrate including a pixel electrode corresponding to each of the pixels, and an electrochromic layer; a second substrate including a counter electrode and a reflective layer arranged on the counter electrode, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are coupled to each other having a distance therebetween by a partition wall supporting the first substrate and the second substrate; and the partition wall isolates a space between the first substrate and the second substrate with respect to each of the pixels, thereby preventing or reducing an electrolyte filled in the space from being diffused toward a neighboring space.