Electrochromic Film Edge Barriers for Lamination Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic films are compromised in performance and lifetime due to infiltration of additives from interlayers and exposure to oxygen and moisture during lamination with glass panels.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic film design with edge protection material covering the edges, preventing infiltration of undesired materials and environmental exposure, using a structure that includes a first and second electrode, electrochromic material, charge storage layer, and solid polymer electrolyte, with edge protection material surrounding the interlayers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic film is laminated between glass panels with interlayers, then the device can be integrated for smart window applications, but additives in interlayers infiltrate into the electrochromic film and compromise performance and lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lamination structure into distinct zones by introducing edge protection materials that create a barrier between the interlayers and electrochromic film. This segmentation prevents direct contact and chemical infiltration while maintaining the overall integrated structure for smart window applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Edge protection materials serve as intermediary elements between the interlayers and electrochromic film. These materials prevent direct interaction and chemical infiltration from interlayer additives, thereby protecting the electrochromic film while still allowing the device to be integrated into glass panels for smart window applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic film is laminated between glass panels with interlayers, then the device can be integrated for smart window applications, but oxygen and moisture from ambient environment infiltrate and adversely affect the electrochromic film
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lamination structure by introducing edge protection materials that create isolated zones. This segmentation prevents oxygen and moisture from the ambient environment from reaching the electrochromic film edges, while still allowing integration with glass panels for smart window applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Edge protection materials function as intermediary barriers between the ambient environment (oxygen and moisture) and the electrochromic film. These materials block harmful environmental factors from infiltrating the electrochromic film while maintaining the integrated device structure for smart window use.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrochromic film edges are exposed during lamination, then the lamination process can be simplified, but the electrochromic film performance and lifetime are severely compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies edge protection materials to the edges of the electrochromic film or substrate before the lamination process. This preliminary action ensures protection is in place before lamination occurs, preventing chemical infiltration and environmental exposure while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Edge protection materials serve as intermediary protective elements applied during the manufacturing process. These materials prevent chemical and environmental infiltration without significantly complicating the lamination process, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while extending electrochromic film lifetime.
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
Enhances the performance and extends the lifetime of electrochromic films by protecting them from chemical and environmental degradation, allowing for better integration with glass panels without significant degradation.
Implementation Method 1
electrochromic materials exhibit a reversible color change due to an electrochemical reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction caused by application of an electric field
Implementation Method 2
electrochromic materials exhibit a reversible color change due to an electrochemical reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction
Implementation Method 3
a solid polymer electrolyte disposed between the electrochromic material and the charge storage layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a method for preparing an electrochromic device. The method includes placing an edge protection material on a first and second substrates, placing a first and second interlayers respectively within the edge protection material on the first and second substrates, wherein the edge protection material surrounds edges of the first and second interlayers, and interposing an electrochromic film between the first and second interlayers. The edge protection material prevents chemicals in the first and second interlayers from entering into the electrochromic film.