Electrochromic Device Auxiliary Electrode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices face issues with low responsiveness and uniformity of coloring density, low strength, and high electricity consumption, particularly when continuously driven over long periods, due to limitations in ion diffusion and electrochemical reactions in solid electrolyte layers.
Innovation Solution
The electrochromic device incorporates a solid electrolyte layer with a controlling unit that applies specific voltage patterns, including first and second driving patterns and an initialization pattern, to enhance response speed and maintain coloring density, while a second auxiliary electrode with an average distance of 100 mm or less improves ion diffusion and uniformity, and a non-contact configuration with auxiliary electrodes prevents deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid electrolyte layer is used to improve strength and reliability, then strength is improved, but responsiveness deteriorates due to limited ion diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the auxiliary electrode into multiple segments (first auxiliary electrode and second auxiliary electrode) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows ions to diffuse from multiple entry points simultaneously, effectively increasing the overall ion diffusion rate while maintaining the solid electrolyte structure's strength and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gel electrolyte layer as an intermediary between the solid electrolyte layer and the electrochromic layer. This gel layer acts as a mediator that facilitates ion diffusion to the electrochromic layer while the solid electrolyte layer maintains structural integrity, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and responsiveness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If voltage is continuously applied to maintain coloring state, then coloring density is maintained, but electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic voltage application through initialization voltage pulses instead of continuous voltage application. The controlling unit applies voltage periodically to restore ions to their initial positions, maintaining the electrochromic layer's coloring state while significantly reducing overall electricity consumption compared to continuous voltage application.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic device utilizes the natural ion diffusion property of the gel electrolyte to maintain coloring state between voltage applications. The system essentially serves itself by allowing passive ion diffusion to maintain the colored state, requiring only periodic active intervention to reset ion positions, thereby reducing energy consumption.
3Speed
If auxiliary electrodes are placed close together to improve ion diffusion, then responsiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions auxiliary electrodes at specific locations (first auxiliary electrode at one end and second auxiliary electrode at the other end) rather than requiring uniform distribution. This local positioning strategy effectively promotes ion diffusion across the entire electrochromic layer while avoiding the need for high-precision uniform spacing, thus reducing manufacturing complexity.
4Speed
If high voltage is applied to increase response speed, then responsiveness is improved, but durability deteriorates due to electrode deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies high voltage (first voltage pulse) only temporarily during initialization to quickly restore ions to their initial positions, rather than applying high voltage continuously. This partial application of excessive voltage achieves the needed response speed improvement while limiting cumulative damage to electrodes, thus preserving durability.
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
This configuration results in high responsiveness, uniform coloring density, improved durability, and reduced electricity consumption, ensuring the electrochromic device maintains performance and safety over extended use.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon where redox reactions are preformed reversibly to reversibly change a color as voltage is applied
Implementation Method 2
Devices utilizing the electrochromism are electrochromic devices
Implementation Method 3
an electrolyte layer capable of ion conduction fills the space between the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Electrochromic device including: first electrode; a first auxiliary electrode; a second electrode; a second auxiliary electrode having average distance of 100 mm or less with the first auxiliary electrode; an electrochromic layer; a solid electrolyte layer; and controlling unit configured to control to apply voltage according to a driving pattern that is at least one selected from the group consisting of a first driving pattern, a second driving pattern, and an initialization driving pattern, wherein the first driving pattern is a driving pattern configured to turn the electrochromic layer into first coloring state, the second driving pattern is a driving pattern configured to turn the first coloring state into a second coloring state that has coloring density lower than coloring density of the first coloring state, and the initialization driving pattern is driving pattern for forming an initial decolored state.