Electrochromic Device Curved Optical Lens Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic devices face challenges in forming a stable and mechanically strong configuration on curved or three-dimensional surfaces, particularly for optical applications like spectacle lenses, due to the fragility of electrochromic materials and the complexity of applying them to lenses with varying curvatures.
Innovation Solution
A laminated electrochromic device with a curved surface shape is developed, comprising a substrate, a first electrode layer, an electrochromic layer, a second electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer, which is thermoformed to achieve a desired shape and adhered with an optical lens using a transparent adhesive layer, enhancing mechanical strength and optical functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic materials are directly coated on curved or three-dimensional surfaces, then the device can be applied to optical lenses and curved surfaces, but the mechanical strength is insufficient and the material is easily destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of a planar electrochromic device bonded to a curved substrate. The electrochromic device maintains its inherent mechanical strength from the planar configuration while the substrate provides the necessary curvature for optical applications. This composite approach allows the electrochromic material to retain its strength characteristics while achieving adaptability to curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the electrochromic device from the curved surface, creating two distinct components: a planar electrochromic device and a curved substrate. These segments are then bonded together, allowing each component to maintain its optimal properties independently while achieving the desired combined functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic devices are directly formed on optical lenses, then the device can be integrated with the lens, but the production cost increases due to repeated vacuum film formation or wet coating processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the manufacturing process into two independent stages: first, forming the electrochromic device on a planar substrate using standard processes, and second, bonding the completed device to the optical lens. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex repeated coating processes on the lens surface, thereby reducing production costs while achieving integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic device is prepared in advance on a planar substrate before being bonded to the optical lens. This preliminary formation allows the use of optimized manufacturing processes for the electrochromic device independent of the lens, avoiding the need to perform complex coating operations after the lens is manufactured.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic materials are coated on surfaces with varying curvatures, then the device can accommodate different spectacle powers, but the coating process becomes increasingly difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the electrochromic device formation process from the lens-specific curvature requirements. The electrochromic device is formed on a standard planar substrate using uniform coating processes, then bonded to lenses with various curvatures. This segmentation eliminates the need to develop complex variable curvature coating processes for each lens type.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar electrochromic device serves as a universal component that can be bonded to optical lenses with different curvatures and specifications. By creating a standardized device format, the system achieves versatility across multiple applications without requiring separate complex manufacturing processes for each lens type.
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 solution provides an electrochromic device with improved mechanical strength and a curved surface suitable for optical applications, enabling efficient production of electrochromic light control devices, such as eyeglasses, with enhanced durability and adaptability to various lens shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a solid electrolyte layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and in contact with electrochromic layer
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromism is the phenomenon displayed by some materials of reversibly changing color as a redox reaction reversibly occurs in the materials in response to a voltage
Implementation Method 3
The method includes the processes of thermoforming a laminated body to give the laminated body a curved surface shape
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic device is provided. The electrochromic device includes a laminated body having a curved surface shape and an optical lens on a first surface of the laminated body. The laminated body includes a substrate, a first electrode layer on the substrate, an electrochromic layer in contact with the first electrode layer, a second electrode layer facing the first electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and in contact with electrochromic layer.