Electrochromic Medium Multiple Color States Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrochromic devices typically exhibit only one colored state across a range of applied potentials, limiting their ability to transition between multiple colors for different applications, such as day and night conditions.

Innovation Solution

An electrochromic medium comprising a solvent, a first pair of anodic and cathodic materials, and at least one additional anodic or cathodic material, with specific redox potential differences to achieve multiple absorption maxima in the visible range, allowing for transitions between transparent and multiple colored states upon applied potentials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional electrochromic devices use a single electrochromic material, then the device structure is simple, but the device can only exhibit one colored state limiting versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of colored statesVSAvoidelectrochromic medium composition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrochromic medium is segmented into multiple independent electrochromic materials (first anodic/first cathodic, second anodic/second cathodic), each responsible for a specific color state. This segmentation allows the device to achieve multiple colored states while maintaining clear functional separation of each material's role in the electrochromic transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrochromic medium achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple pairs of electrochromic materials that can independently transition between different colored states. Each material pair contributes a specific absorption maxima, enabling the single device to perform multiple functions (transparent state, first colored state, second colored state) rather than requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrochromic materials are used to achieve multiple colored states, then the versatility is improved, but the redox potential control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of colored statesVSAvoidredox potential differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Each electrochromic material pair is assigned a specific local quality in terms of redox potential range. The first anodic/first cathodic materials operate at lower absolute redox potentials while the second anodic/second cathodic materials operate at higher absolute redox potentials. This local differentiation of redox properties allows independent control of each color state without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention controls the transition between different colored states by changing the applied potential parameter. By establishing distinct redox potential ranges for different material pairs (with differences greater than 0.05V), the system enables selective activation of specific electrochromic materials through precise potential control, achieving multiple colored states through parameter variation rather than structural changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables electrochromic devices to switch between a transparent state and multiple colored states at different applied potentials, enhancing their versatility for applications requiring varying colors based on light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the first anodic material and the first cathodic material is an electrochromic exhibiting a first absorption maxima in the visible range; at least one of the second anodic material and the second cathodic material is electrochromic exhibiting a second absorption maxima in the visible range different than the first absorption maxima

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

a difference between the absolute value of the first redox potential of the first anodic material and the absolute value of the first redox potential of the second anodic material is greater than 0. Similarly, a difference between the absolute value of the first redox potential of the first cathodic material and the absolute value of the first redox potential of the second cathodic material is greater than 0

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS10781364B2Electrochromic media and devices with multiple color states

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

An electrochromic medium includes a solvent, a first pair of a first anodic material and a first cathodic material, and at least one of a second anodic material and a second cathodic material. At least one of the first anodic material and the first cathodic material is an electrochromic absorbing in the visible range, and at least one of the second anodic material and the second cathodic material is electrochromic absorbing in the visible range.