Electrochromic Film Edge Sealing Against Interlayer Chemical Infiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of electrochromic films between glass panels is compromised by additives in interlayers that infiltrate and adversely affect performance and lifetime, necessitating an improved design to prevent chemical infiltration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of edge protection materials, such as epoxy, around the electrochromic film edges to seal in the laminated structure, preventing interlayer chemicals from affecting the film's performance and extending its lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic films are sandwiched between glass panels with interlayers for integration, then the films can be serviceable in smart window applications, but additives in the interlayers infiltrate into the films and adversely affect performance and lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrochromic film into a central active area and edge areas with different functional properties. The edge areas are treated with edge protection material that creates a barrier zone, separating the edge region from the central electrochromic material. This segmentation prevents interlayer additives from infiltrating the active electrochromic regions while maintaining the overall film structure for glass substrate integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an edge protection material as an intermediary layer between the electrochromic film edges and the interlayer additives. This intermediary barrier blocks the harmful chemical infiltration from the interlayer additives while allowing the film to maintain its integration with glass panels. The edge protection material acts as a mediator that protects the electrochromic material without interfering with the lamination process.
2Reliability
If edge protection materials are applied around electrochromic film edges to prevent chemical infiltration, then film performance and lifetime are maintained, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the edge protection function with the existing lamination structure by applying the edge protection material during the same lamination process. The edge protection material is positioned on the film edges before lamination, and the entire structure is processed together in one step, combining the protection function with the standard manufacturing process rather than adding a separate complex step.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge protection material is applied as a thin film or coating on the edges of the electrochromic film. This thin film approach provides effective chemical barrier protection without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the device. The thin film nature of the edge protection material allows it to be integrated seamlessly into the existing laminated structure.
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 edge protection effectively blocks chemical infiltration, maintaining the electrochromic film's performance and extending its lifetime, even under ambient conditions, by acting as an oxygen and moisture barrier during storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of edge protection materials, such as epoxy, around the electrochromic film edges to seal in the laminated structure, preventing interlayer chemicals from affecting the film's performance
Implementation Method 2
acting as an oxygen and moisture barrier during storage and transportation
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrochromic device comprising: a first and a second interlayers; an electrochromic layer disposed between the first and the second interlayers, wherein the electrochromic layer comprises: a first and second transparent electrically conductive layers, and at least one electrochromic material layer disposed between the first and second transparent electrically conductive layers; an edge protection seal sealing (1) all edges of the electrochromic layer, (2) a portion of a surface of the first transparent electrically conductive layer, and (3) a portion of a surface of the second transparent electrically conductive layer, wherein: remaining portion of the surface of the first transparent electrically conductive layer that are not sealed by the edge protection seal are covered by the first interlayer; and remaining portion of the surface of the second transparent electrically conductive layer that are not sealed by the edge protection seal are covered by the second interlayer.