Electrochromic Transition Control for Uniform Bus Bar Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic devices face challenges in uniformly transitioning between optical states due to variations in effective voltage across different regions of the device, particularly near and far from bus bars, which affects switching speed and reliability, especially in larger devices.
Innovation Solution
A control method and apparatus that utilize real-time electrical probing and monitoring to determine the progress of optical transitions, adjusting the drive voltage based on open circuit voltage and charge density to ensure uniform transition across the device surface, using bus bars to apply and adjust voltage effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed drive voltage is applied to bus bars, then the device structure is simple, but the optical transition is non-uniform across different regions of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different voltage magnitudes to different regions of the device by using multiple bus bars with differentiated voltage applications. Specifically, a first magnitude of voltage is applied to a first bus bar while a second magnitude of voltage is applied to a second bus bar, creating localized voltage optimization for uniform optical transition across the device surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts voltage magnitudes based on real-time monitoring of optical transition progress. The controller monitors the transition and adjusts the voltage magnitudes applied to different bus bars during the transition process, enabling adaptive control that maintains uniformity while responding to changing device states.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring and voltage adjustment is implemented, then uniform optical transition is achieved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a controller monitors the optical transition in real-time and adjusts the voltage magnitudes applied to different bus bars based on the monitored progress. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable and uniform optical transition while automatically adapting to device state changes.
3Ease of operation
If voltage is applied uniformly across the device, then the control method is simple, but regions near bus bars experience过高 effective voltage causing non-uniform transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the non-uniform voltage distribution by applying different voltage magnitudes to different bus bars. The controller is configured to apply a first magnitude of voltage to a first bus bar and a second magnitude of voltage to a second bus bar, creating localized voltage optimization that compensates for the position-dependent voltage drop in the device.
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
Enables efficient and uniform optical transitions in electrochromic devices by optimizing voltage application, reducing the need for custom characterization and preprogramming, and ensuring transitions occur within defined durations regardless of device size or environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one layer of electrochromic material, that changes its optical properties in response to the application of an electrical potential
Implementation Method 2
an ion conductor (IC) layer that allows ions, such as lithium ions, to move through it, into and out from the electrochromic material
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure concern methods of controlling an optical transition of an electrochromic device from a starting optical state to an ending optical state. The method comprises applying a drive parameter such as drive voltage or current to the electrochromic device for a period of time based on various commands.