Electrochromic Apparition Extraction Electrode Corrosion Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochromic apparatuses face challenges with electrolyte corrosion of extraction electrodes and insufficient mechanical strength in connections, leading to unstable electrical connections and color development issues.

Innovation Solution

The electrochromic apparatus includes a first and second substrate with electrode layers, an electrochromic layer, and an electrolyte layer, with extraction electrode layers isolated from the electrolyte by an electrically insulative partition wall, enhancing durability and stability of electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrochromic apparatus uses electrolyte for oxidation-reduction, then color development and reduction can be achieved, but the electrolyte corrodes the extraction electrode, making it difficult to retain low resistance for a long time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidelectrolyte corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the extraction electrode and the electrolyte. This insulating layer prevents direct contact between the electrolyte and the extraction electrode, thereby eliminating corrosion while still allowing electrical connection to be maintained through the insulating layer's conductive properties or through contact at specific regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction electrode is divided into multiple regions: a first extraction electrode region that contacts the electrolyte for ion exchange, and a second extraction electrode region that is isolated from the electrolyte by the insulating layer for stable electrical connection. This segmentation allows different functions to be performed in different regions, preventing corrosion at the connection point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the connection portion between the electrochromic apparatus and power supply/driving circuit is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the mechanical strength becomes insufficient, adversely affecting stable color developing and reducing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structure simplicityVSAvoidmechanical strength of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure extends in multiple dimensions: the extraction electrode reaches toward the electrolyte in one direction while the insulating layer provides coverage in another direction. This multi-dimensional arrangement achieves both simple manufacturing (through layer formation) and sufficient mechanical strength (through extended contact areas and structural support).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 suppresses degradation of extraction electrodes, improves electrical connection stability, and maintains consistent color development and reduction, achieving durable and reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

Electrochromism is a phenomenon displayed by some materials of reversibly changing color as oxidation-reduction reaction reversibly occurs in the materials in response to a voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

electrochromism uses electrolyte that is liquid, solid, or semisolid for oxidation-reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3364242B1Electrochromic apparatus and method for manufacturing electrochromic apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3364242B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3364242B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3364242B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An electrochromic apparatus (10) includes a first substrate (11), a first electrode layer (12), an electrochromic layer (13), an electrolyte layer (18), a second substrate (15), a second electrode layer (16), a first extraction electrode layer (14), a second extraction electrode layer (17), and a partition wall (19). The first extraction electrode layer (14) contacts the first electrode layer (12) and is isolated from the second electrode layer (16) and the electrochromic layer (13). The second extraction electrode layer (17) contacts the second electrode layer (16) and is isolated from the first electrode layer (12) and the electrolyte layer (18). The partition wall (19) is electrically insulative and sandwiched between the first extraction electrode layer (14) and the electrolyte layer (18) and between the second extraction electrode layer (17) and the electrolyte layer (18).