Electrochromic Buffer Pre-Activation for Faster Darkening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices face issues with slow darkening times due to the use of redox buffers, which consume electrical current, and undesirable coloration from anodic and cathodic material imbalances.
Innovation Solution
Applying a buffer pre-activation voltage to activate the redox buffer before electrochromic device darkening is desired, followed by specific voltage adjustments to maintain activation or deactivation states, allowing faster and more responsive transmittance changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redox buffers are combined with the electrochromic medium to prevent undesirable coloration, then the electrochromic medium stability is improved, but the darkening speed of the electrochromic device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary voltage pulse to activate the redox buffer before the main darkening voltage is applied. This preliminary action prepares the buffer in advance so that when the main voltage is applied, the buffer does not compete for current, allowing faster darkening while maintaining the stability benefits of having the buffer present
2Reliability
If redox buffers are used to maintain electrochromic medium balance, then the undesirable coloration is reduced, but the electrical current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By activating the buffer beforehand with a preliminary voltage pulse, the buffer reaches its activated state before the main operation begins. This reduces the continuous current demand during normal operation while maintaining the buffer's ability to prevent undesirable coloration and maintain medium balance
3Speed
If the buffer is activated before electrochromic material activation, then the darkening time is reduced, but an additional voltage initiation step is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the preliminary buffer activation voltage pulse with the subsequent main darkening voltage application in a single controlled sequence. While two voltage levels are used, they are applied in rapid succession as part of one integrated activation process, reducing the practical complexity compared to separate operations
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 method enables faster activation and deactivation of electrochromic materials, reducing lag times and minimizing undesirable coloration, while maintaining device durability and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
redox buffers are combined with the electrochromic medium to form an electrochromic solution
Implementation Method 2
When a sufficient electrical potential is applied across a pair of electrodes, an electrochromic medium, disposed between the electrodes, may become activated, changing its color and/or light transmissivity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic device, system using, and method for, which may pre-activate a buffer is disclosed. The electrochromic device may comprise a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrochromic medium. The second substrate may be disposed in apart relationship with the first substrate. The first and second electrodes may be associated with the first and second substrates, respectively. The electrochromic medium may be disposed between the first and second electrodes. Further, the electrochromic medium may comprise electrochromic materials and a redox buffer. Each of the electrochromic materials and the buffer may be operable between activated and deactivated states. The electrochromic device may be configured to apply a voltage to substantially pre-activate the buffer and hold the buffer in this state prior to substantially activating the electrochromic materials, thereby decreasing the response time of the electrochromic device upon activation.