Electrochromic Display Device Solid Polymer Electrolyte

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid electrolytes in electrochromic devices are prone to leakage, adhesion issues, and have limited mechanical strength, making them difficult to assemble and use effectively in display devices.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer display device utilizing a solid polymer electrolyte, which is deposited as a thin film at room temperature, providing mechanical strength, stable interfaces, and improved ion conductivity for faster switching times, while avoiding leakage and adhesion problems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid electrolyte is used in electrochromic device, then ion mobility is achieved, but leakage and adhesion issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage resistanceVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer form. This parameter change eliminates leakage inherent in liquid electrolytes while maintaining ion conductivity through the solid polymer matrix, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite solid polymer electrolyte materials that combine polymer matrices with ionic conductors. This composite approach provides both the mechanical strength needed for easy assembly and the ion mobility required for electrochromic function, simultaneously addressing leakage resistance and manufacturing ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If solid polymer electrolyte is used, then mechanical strength and leak-proof properties are achieved, but ion conductivity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidion conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite solid polymer electrolytes combining polymer matrices with ionic conductors such as lithium salts. This composite structure maintains the mechanical strength of the solid polymer while incorporating pathways for efficient ion transport, resolving the contradiction between strength and ion conductivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes porous solid polymer electrolyte structures that provide channels for ion transport. The porous architecture maintains mechanical integrity while creating conduits for ion mobility, thereby achieving both strength and sufficient ion conductivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Ease of manufacture

If solid polymer electrolyte is deposited as thin film, then device assembly is simplified, but film formation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice assemblyVSAvoidfilm formation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-assembling solid polymer electrolyte thin films that automatically form uniform layers during deposition. The self-service mechanism reduces the need for precise external control during film formation, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving consistent film quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses solution-processable solid polymer electrolytes that can be deposited as thin films through simple coating techniques. These materials form stable films that don't require complex processing or long curing times, making assembly easier while reducing film formation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solid polymer electrolyte enables the formation of robust, leak-proof, and efficient electrochromic display devices with improved ion conductivity and faster switching times, suitable for various applications including display systems.

Implementation Method 1

An electrolyte is necessary in electrochromic device to provide mobile ions to dope and/or dedope the electrochromic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Electrochromism generally refers to a reversible change in optical properties of a material upon application of a potential

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 3

The solid polymer electrolyte could be dissolved in certain solvents and solution-deposited onto the substrate at room temperature. After the evaporation of the solvent, the polymer electrolyte becomes solid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3671337B1Display device with electrochromic material
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 FURCIFER INC
  • EP3671337B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3671337B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3671337B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to multi-layer display devices including electrochromic material and methods of making the same. The display device may include one or more of a first layer comprising a first substrate depicting a display pattern; a second layer comprising an electrochromic polymer; a third layer comprising a solid state electrolyte; a fourth layer comprising a charge storage layer; a fifth layer comprising a second substrate, and/or other components. The one or more of the second layer, the third layer, and/or the fourth layer may be interposed between the first layer and the fifth layer. An application of a voltage between the first substrate and the second substrate may case a change in transmission and/or reflectance of light through the display device such that the display pattern on the first substrate may be displayed.