Electrochromic Electrode Layout for Linear Transmittance Gradation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic elements struggle to achieve continuous transmittance gradation with isotransmittance contours that are substantially straight, particularly in applications requiring linear gradation patterns, such as half ND filters.
Innovation Solution
The electrochromic element incorporates a first electrode with a single section overlapping an electrochromic layer and multiple lead-out electrodes connected via interconnections, allowing for a potential gradient to be formed across the electrode plane, enabling continuous transmittance gradation with linear isotransmittance contours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If concentrically divided electrodes are used to control transmittance, then partial control of the variable transmittance region is achieved, but continuous transmittance gradation with linear isotransmittance contours cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode is divided into a plurality of sections in the second region (lead-out electrode region) while maintaining a single continuous section in the first region (electrochromic layer overlapping region). This segmentation allows independent voltage application to different lead-out electrodes, enabling continuous transmittance gradation control while maintaining a uniform potential distribution in the electrochromic layer region for linear isotransmittance contours.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the first electrode have different structural characteristics: the first region has a single continuous section for uniform potential distribution over the electrochromic layer, while the second region has multiple divided sections for independent voltage control. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between uniform transmittance control and gradation capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are divided into concentric circles, then the variable transmittance region can be partially controlled, but the transmittance of non-conductive divided portions becomes low and continuous gradation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into two functional regions: a continuous single section in the first region ensuring uniform potential and reliable transmittance control, and divided sections in the second region providing versatility for different transmittance patterns. This resolves the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead-out electrodes serve as intermediary elements between the external voltage source and the first electrode. By dividing the lead-out electrodes while maintaining a continuous first electrode, they enable versatile transmittance control patterns while ensuring reliable electrical conduction and uniform potential distribution across the electrochromic layer.
3Reliability
If a single continuous electrode is used, then uniform potential distribution is achieved, but partial and continuous transmittance gradation control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented in the second region (lead-out region) while remaining continuous in the first region (electrochromic layer region). This allows the first electrode to maintain uniform potential distribution over the electrochromic layer while enabling partial and continuous transmittance gradation control through independent voltage application to different lead-out electrode sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode control is extended to a two-dimensional configuration with spatially distributed lead-out electrodes around the first electrode. This dimensional expansion enables continuous transmittance gradation in multiple directions while the first region maintains uniform potential distribution for reliability.
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
This configuration allows for precise control of transmittance profiles, enhancing image representation and reducing brightness differences, making it suitable for applications like imaging devices and variable ND filters.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic element using an electrochromic material in which the properties of optical absorption (absorption wavelength, absorbance) of a substance change due to electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction
Implementation Method 2
a substance change due to electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction
Implementation Method 3
a region between the plurality of first interconnections and the first electrode has a resistance lower than a region between adjacent first interconnections
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed electrochromic element includes a first electrode, a second electrode opposed to the first electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a plurality of first interconnections electrically connected to the first electrode. The first electrode has a single section in a first region overlapping with the electrochromic layer in a plan view. The plurality of first interconnections is electrically connected to the first electrode via a first lead-out electrode provided in a second region in contact with the first region in the plan view. A region between the plurality of first interconnections and the first electrode has a resistance lower than a region between adjacent first interconnections.