Electrochromic Element Fabrication for Low Voltage and High Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic units require higher driving voltages, exhibit fewer color levels, poor color contrast, and short memory effect, with high infrared transmittance, making them unsuitable for applications requiring efficient light control and infrared isolation.
Innovation Solution
A fabrication method for an electrochromic element involving a laminated structure with specific substrate and conductive layers, an ion storage layer, an electrochromic layer, and an electrolyte layer, formed using sputtering and drying processes, allowing for lower driving voltage operation, improved color contrast, and long-term color retention, while reducing infrared transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional electrochromic unit structure is used, then the device can change color with driving voltage, but the driving voltage required is high and color contrast is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic device is segmented into multiple functional layers including ion storage layer, electrochromic layer, and electrolyte layer, each performing specific functions to optimize color contrast and reduce driving voltage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses composite material structure combining different functional materials (ion storage materials, electrochromic materials, electrolyte materials) to achieve both low driving voltage and high color contrast performance
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional electrochromic unit is used, then color change function is achieved, but memory effect duration is short
Solution Approach 1:
The ion storage layer is pre-formed to store ions in advance, enabling the electrochromic layer to maintain color state for extended periods after voltage is removed, thus improving memory effect duration
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional electrochromic unit is used, then light control function is provided, but infrared isolation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers are designed with specific optical properties: the electrochromic layer controls visible light transmission while additional layers or materials are incorporated to specifically target infrared wavelength isolation, achieving local optimization for different spectral regions
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 method enables electrochromic elements to change color with varying voltages, maintain color for extended periods, and effectively isolate infrared and harmful light, achieving better color contrast and lower driving voltage requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the ion storage layer and the electrochromic layer are formed by sputtering
Implementation Method 2
carrying out a first drying process to dry the film to form the electrolyte solid-state layer
Implementation Method 3
the color of the electrochromic unit will change according to one the corresponding driving voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A fabrication method of an electrochromic element includes the steps of: providing a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate including a first base layer and a first transparent conductive layer, the second substrate including a second base layer and a lower second transparent conductive layer; forming an ion storage layer on a surface of the upper first transparent conductive layer, and forming an electrochromic layer on a surface of the lower second transparent conductive layer; forming an electrolyte layer on a surface of the electrochromic layer; oppositely facing and combining the ion storage layer and the electrolyte layer in a gradually slantly manner by use of an assistant material disposed on corresponding peripheries of the electrolyte layer and the ion storage layer; and drying the combined electrolyte layer and the ion storage layer for complete manufacture of the electrochromic element as a finished product.