Electrochromic Display Light Control via Reflective State Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display and illumination devices lack efficient light use and control mechanisms, particularly in varying environmental conditions, leading to suboptimal performance in brightness and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device and display device incorporating an electrochromic element with a light source on its edge, featuring a transparent substrate, electrodes, and an electrolyte layer with a reflective material, which switches between transparent and reflective states based on applied voltage and illuminance levels, optimizing light usage and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the electrochromic element is kept in a reflective state to improve light use efficiency in low ambient light conditions, then power consumption increases due to continuous voltage application, but if it is kept transparent, light use efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic element dynamically changes its state between transparent and reflective based on ambient illuminance levels. The control unit adjusts the voltage applied to the electrochromic element in real-time, switching it to reflective state when ambient light is low and to transparent state when ambient light is sufficient, thereby optimizing both light use efficiency and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter applied to the electrochromic element based on detected illuminance levels. By adjusting this electrical parameter, the electrochromic material transitions between different optical states (transparent/reflective), enabling adaptive optimization of light usage and energy consumption
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is always on to ensure sufficient display brightness, then power consumption increases, but if it is turned off, display quality deteriorates in low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates dynamically based on ambient illuminance conditions and the state of the electrochromic element. The control unit turns the light source on when the electrochromic element is in transparent state or when ambient light is insufficient, and turns it off when the electrochromic element is in reflective state and ambient light is sufficient, thereby maintaining display brightness while reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the electrochromic element's reflective state to provide self-illumination in low light conditions without requiring the light source to be on. The reflective material reflects ambient light when in reflective state, allowing the display to illuminate itself without additional power consumption from the light source
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 light use efficiency by dynamically adjusting the electrochromic element's state to match environmental conditions, improving display quality and reducing power consumption by selectively using external or internal light sources.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and containing an electrochromic material including a reflective material capable of oxidation-reduction
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyte layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and containing an electrochromic material including a reflective material capable of oxidation-reduction
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an illumination device includes an electrochromic element and light sources. The electrochromic element includes a first transparent substrate, a first transparent electrode provided on the first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate opposing the first transparent substrate, projections provided on the second transparent substrate and projecting toward the first transparent substrate, a second transparent electrode provided on a part of the projection and an electrolyte layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and containing an electrochromic material including a reflective material capable of oxidation-reduction.