Electrochromic Dimming Device Sealing Member Thickness Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dimming devices for augmented reality head-mounted displays face reliability issues due to moisture-related problems, such as color change failure when moisture disappears in the electrochromic layer, and excessive moisture entry or exit leading to reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A dimming device configuration with a moisture-retaining member and a sealing member, where the moisture-retaining member's thickness is thinner at the edges than in the central portion, and auxiliary electrodes are used to apply appropriate voltages, reducing voltage drops and unevenness during color changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing member with uniform thickness is used to seal the electrochromic element, then sealing performance is improved, but moisture entry or exit through the sealing material increases due to thick edges, lowering reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution, where the edge portion has a first thickness and the central portion has a second thickness different from the first. This local variation in thickness allows the sealing member to maintain effective sealing at the edges while reducing moisture-related issues in the central region, thereby improving overall reliability without compromising sealing performance.
2Reliability
If the sealing material thickness is increased to improve sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity and potential for moisture-related issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member employs a thickness gradient structure where different regions have different thicknesses optimized for their specific functions. The edge portion maintains sufficient thickness for effective sealing, while the central portion has reduced thickness to minimize moisture-related issues. This local differentiation allows effective sealing without requiring uniformly thick sealing material throughout the entire structure.
3Reliability
If a thick sealing material is used to prevent moisture loss, then moisture retention is improved, but voltage drops and unevenness during color changes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member's non-uniform thickness distribution optimizes both moisture retention and electrical performance. The edge portion with one thickness provides effective sealing and moisture retention, while the central portion with different thickness reduces resistance to ion transport, thereby minimizing voltage drops and ensuring uniform color changes across the electrochromic element.
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 enhances the reliability of the dimming device by preventing color change failures and reducing moisture-related issues, ensuring consistent performance and extended lifespan by maintaining a uniform thickness and flexibility, thus improving visibility and reducing manufacturing defects.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture-retaining member that covers at least the second electrode and faces the second substrate
Implementation Method 2
light transmittance is changed by applying a color change of a substance generated by a redox reaction of the electrochromic material
Implementation Method 3
a dimming layer constituting a dimming device is constituted by an electrochromic material and light transmittance is changed by applying a color change of a substance generated by a redox reaction of the electrochromic material
Implementation Method 4
a sealing member provided in an edge portion of the first substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A dimming device 700 includes a first substrate 711 and a second substrate 712, a first electrode 731 formed on top of the first substrate 711, a dimming layer 720 formed on top of the first electrode 731, a second electrode 732 formed on top of at least the dimming layer 720, a moisture-retaining member 741 that covers at least the second electrode 732 and faces the second substrate 712, and sealing members 733, 734, 735, and 736 provided in an edge portion of the first substrate 711, and a moisture-retaining member extending portion 743 that extends from the moisture-retaining member 741 is disposed between the sealing member and the second substrate 712, and a thickness of the moisture-retaining member extending portion 743 is thinner than a thickness of the moisture-retaining member 742 in a central portion of the dimming device 700.