Electrochromic Glazing with Insulating Insert for Single Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic glazing systems require multiple power supplies and complex assemblies, leading to increased costs, reduced robustness, and optical distortions, especially in curved substrates, which limits their effectiveness in achieving high contrast between colored and discolored states.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic glazing system with a single power supply and an electrically insulating lamination insert between two 'all-solid' electrochromic stacks, allowing for high contrast and robust operation without the need for multiple power supplies or complex assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electrochromic systems are juxtaposed to minimize fault impact, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple power supplies and at least 4 substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate electrochromic systems into a single integrated device where both electrochromic layers share a common first substrate and a single power supply. The layers are electrically independent but physically integrated, allowing one layer to compensate for faults in the other while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrochromic device into two independently controllable layers that can operate separately or together. Each layer can be controlled by the same or different control signals, allowing selective operation to maintain reliability while using a unified structural framework.
2Reliability
If multiple electrochromic systems are juxtaposed to minimize fault impact, then system reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to requiring multiple power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The single power supply in the patent serves multiple functions by being able to control both electrochromic layers independently or simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate power supplies while maintaining the ability to operate each layer independently for reliability purposes.
3Reliability
If assembly in multiple glazing is used to juxtapose systems, then fault tolerance is improved, but optical quality deteriorates due to increased number of optical interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two electrochromic layers within a single glazing unit rather than assembling separate glazing units. This integration reduces the total number of optical interfaces from what would exist in multiple separate assemblies, thereby improving light transmission while maintaining fault tolerance through the independent layers.
4Reliability
If laminated assembly with multiple substrates is used, then fault tolerance is improved, but adaptability to curved substrates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two electrochromic systems onto a single substrate rather than using multiple substrates in a laminated assembly. This approach maintains fault tolerance through independent layer operation while significantly improving adaptability to curved substrates by eliminating the geometric constraints of multi-substrate lamination.
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 system achieves high contrast ratios and robust operation with a single power supply, reducing costs and minimizing optical distortions, while maintaining performance comparable to or exceeding that of juxtaposed systems, and can be applied to various glazing configurations including double glazing and automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the layers of electrochromic material can reversibly insert cations and electrons, the modification of their degree of oxidation following these insertions/deinsertions leading to a modification in its optical and/or thermal properties.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Electrochemical/ electrically controllable device having variable optical and/or energetic characteristics, comprising at least one first carrier substrate (S1) provided with an electroconducting layer (4) associated with a first stack (3) of electroactive layers and at least one second carrier substrate (S1') provided with an electroconducting layer (4') associated with a second stack (3') of electroactive layers, characterized in that the first and second stacks, respectively, function optically in series on at least part of their surface and are separated by an electrically insulating means (7).