Electrochromic Bus Bar Array for Graded Transmission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic devices can only be controlled in discrete transmission states, lacking the ability to maintain a continuously graded transmission state, which limits their tinting control and visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
The electrochromic device is designed with a configuration of bus bars and voltage supply terminals that allow for a continuously graded transmission state by varying the electrical field across the device, enabling a smooth transition from fully bleached to fully tinted states, and any intermediate state, through the proper selection of bus bar locations and voltage settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrochromic devices are controlled with discrete transmission states, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tinting control flexibility and visual appeal are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic device is divided into multiple independently controllable electrochromic devices arranged in an array, each capable of being controlled to different transmission states. This segmentation allows the overall device to achieve continuous graded transmission control while maintaining relatively simple individual device structures that are easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrochromic device in the array can be controlled to a different transmission state, creating local variations in optical properties across the device. This local quality control enables continuous graded transmission from one region to another, improving tinting control flexibility without requiring complex individual device structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete electrochromic devices are used to achieve different transmission states, then the control flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrochromic devices are combined into a single integrated array structure with shared bus bar connections. The bus bars are configured to electrically connect to multiple electrochromic devices in a systematic pattern, allowing coordinated control of multiple devices while reducing the overall number of external electrical connections required.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus bar structure serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections to multiple electrochromic devices, establishes different voltage potentials across the array, and enables both individual and collective control of the electrochromic devices. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If all electrochromic devices are controlled to the same transmission state, then the control system is simple, but the visual appeal and light transmission control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system can dynamically adjust the transmission state of different electrochromic devices independently or collectively based on operational requirements. The bus bar configuration enables flexible voltage distribution patterns that allow the system to transition between uniform control modes (simple operation) and graded control modes (enhanced versatility) as needed.
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 allows for a more visually pleasing and flexible control of light transmission, enabling the electrochromic device to maintain a continuously graded state for extended periods, providing improved tinting control and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochromic device can reduce the amount of sunlight entering a room or passenger compartment of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a substrate with at least three sides and an active stack on the substrate. The active stack can include a first transparent conductive layer, a second transparent conductive layer, an anodic electrochemical layer, and a cathodic electrochemical layer. The apparatus can also include a first bus bar set comprising a plurality of bus bars, wherein each bus bar of the first bus bar set is electrically coupled to the first transparent conductive layer, a second bus bar set comprising a plurality of bus bars, wherein each bus bar of the second bus bar set is electrically coupled to the second transparent conductive layer, and a bus bar arrangement wherein the bus bar arrangement comprises a bus bar from the first bus bar set and a bus bar from the second bus bar set on at least three sides of the substrate.