Electrochromic Device with Electrode Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic devices face manufacturing constraints due to the need for transparent and conductive materials, leading to high costs and complex manufacturing processes, particularly with the use of indium-based transparent electrodes like ITO, which are difficult to print and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A new electrochromic device architecture featuring electrodes with openings allows for the deposition of electrochromic material without covering it, enabling the use of less expensive materials and simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need for transparent conductive oxides, and allowing for the use of a single substrate instead of two.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent conductive oxides (ITO) are used as electrodes, then electrical conductivity and transparency are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transparency requirement from the electrode function by introducing openings in the electrode structure. This allows the electrode to be made of opaque, printable materials while the electrochromic material itself provides the transparent viewing area, eliminating the need for expensive transparent conductive oxides.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is designed with local variations: opaque regions providing electrical conductivity and openings providing transparency. This local differentiation allows each part of the electrode to serve its specific function without requiring the entire electrode to be both transparent and conductive simultaneously.
2Illumination intensity
If transparent conductive oxides (ITO) are used as electrodes, then electrical conductivity and transparency are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transparency requirement from the electrode function by introducing openings in the electrode structure. This allows the electrode to be made of opaque, printable materials while the electrochromic material itself provides the transparent viewing area, eliminating the need for expensive transparent conductive oxides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive ITO materials with cheaper, printable conductive materials. The openings in the electrode structure enable this substitution while maintaining the necessary optical and electrical properties at a lower cost.
3Reliability
If electrochromic material is deposited on the electrode, then electrical contact is improved, but optical contrast deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode into multiple regions: peripheral contact zones where electrochromic material deposits for electrical connection, and central opening regions where no material accumulates to maintain optical contrast. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of electrical contact and optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure provides different local properties: peripheral zones with electrochromic material for electrical contact and central zones with openings for optical contrast. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between electrical reliability and optical performance.
4Reliability
If five-layer architecture is used, then electrochromic performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the counter-electrode and substrate into a single integrated component. The substrate itself serves as the counter-electrode, eliminating the need for a separate TCO layer and reducing the device from five layers to three layers while maintaining electrochromic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is given multiple functions: it serves as both the structural support and the counter-electrode. This multi-functionality reduces the number of required layers and simplifies the overall device architecture while preserving electrochromic performance.
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 architecture reduces manufacturing costs, improves optical contrast, and enables easier deposition techniques such as printing, while maintaining high switching speed and energy efficiency, allowing for broader material choices and simpler production processes.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochromic device, similar to an optical battery, is an electrical device capable of modulating its optical properties under the application of an electric field
Implementation Method 2
Under the effect of this potential difference, the ions within the electrolyte move from one electrochromic material to another
Implementation Method 3
by the contribution of electrons from the electrode in contact with the electrochromic material, the degree of oxidation of the electrochromic material is modified, resulting in a change in its optical properties, in particular the color
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrochromic device (50). According to the invention, it comprises: - at least one substrate (51); - a first electrode (53) comprising a first opening (52) and a second electrode (54) comprising a second opening (55); - the two electrodes being positioned so that the two openings are opposite each other; - a layer (56) of electrochromic material adapted to be arranged relative to the first opening (52) of the first electrode so as to form at least one electrical contact zone between the layer of electrochromic material and the first electrode, said layer of electrochromic material and said first electrode thus together forming a working electrode and the second electrode forming a counter-electrode; - a layer (57) of electrolyte sandwiched between the working electrode and the counter-electrode; - an electrical power supply means configured to apply an electric voltage to the two electrodes.