Electrochromic Display Segmented Ionically Conducting Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art electrochromic display devices suffer from blurred images due to ion diffusion, which results in a trade-off between image sharpness and off-state color homogeneity, and lack the ability to display two-dimensional images effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic display device with a transparent substrate, an ionically conducting layer comprising segments that are partially or completely insulated in the parallel direction, a pattern-defining layer with openings, and a piezoresistive layer that becomes conductive under pressure, allowing for sharp image display in two modes: electrical potential and pressure-activated modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous ionically conducting layer is used, then ion transport is facilitated, but image sharpness deteriorates due to ion diffusion into nearby regions
Solution Approach 1:
The ionically conducting layer is divided into multiple discrete segments arranged in an array, where each segment corresponds to a pixel or display element. This segmentation prevents ion diffusion between adjacent display regions while maintaining efficient ion transport within each segment, thereby achieving sharp images without blurring.
2Manufacturing precision
If the electrochromic layer is made electrically insulating to enable 2D image display, then color homogeneity in off-state is improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic layer is configured with different electrical properties in different regions: it is electrically insulating in areas corresponding to the pattern-defining layer to maintain color homogeneity, while being electrically conducting in areas corresponding to the ionically conducting segments to enable ion transport and electrochromic switching. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between color homogeneity and electrical conductivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pattern-defining layer with openings is introduced to define 2D images, then image display capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern-defining layer is merged with the ionically conducting layer such that the openings in the pattern-defining layer align with the ionically conducting segments. This merging allows the pattern-defining layer to serve dual functions: defining the 2D image pattern and simultaneously guiding ion transport pathways, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining image display capability.
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 device achieves sharp image display without blurring and maintains uniform color in the off-state, enabling effective two-dimensional image representation with improved image quality and homogeneity.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoresistive layer that becomes conductive under pressure
Implementation Method 2
electrochromic materials, which change their optical properties, such as colouration, when an electrical potential is applied to the electrochromic display device
Implementation Method 3
ions inside the electrolyte layer 108 are supposed to move only in those regions of the electrolyte layer 108 which overlap with the second conducting layer 110
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An electrochromic display devices to display a desired image is taught. The display includes a transparent substrate, deposited with a first electrically conducting layer. At least one electrochromic layer is provided on the first electrically conducting layer. An ionically conducting layer is provided on the electrochromic layer and a piezoresistive layer is provided on the second electrically conducting layer. A third electrically conducting layer is provided on the piezoresistive layer. The electrochromic display device displays image in two different modes. In the first mode, an electrical potential is applied across the first and second electrically conducting layer. In the second mode, an electrical potential is applied across the first and the third electrically conducting layer and simultaneously a pressure is applied on the surface.