Electrochromic Mirror Display Switching via Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display apparatuses switchable between a display state and a mirror state face challenges in achieving low power consumption and bright image quality, with existing techniques using translucent reflective mirrors or polarized light systems struggling to meet these requirements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus comprising a field-induced visibility-controlling layer that can be switched between transparent and mirror states by adjusting voltage, utilizing two transparent conductive layers and an electrolyte layer, with a transparent insulating layer in between, allowing for rapid and energy-efficient switching between display and mirror functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a translucent reflective mirror or polarized light system is used to achieve switching between display and mirror states, then the display apparatus can switch between states, but the power consumption at mirror state is relatively high and image brightness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the electrochromic effect to change the optical properties of the smart window material. By adjusting the voltage applied to the smart window, it transitions between transparent and mirror states, thereby controlling light transmission and reflection properties dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling state switching with low power consumption while maintaining appropriate brightness levels for each state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase transitions of the electrochromic material in the smart window. The material undergoes a reversible phase change between transparent and reflective states when voltage is applied or removed. This phase transition mechanism allows the display apparatus to switch between display and mirror functions efficiently, achieving low power consumption in mirror state while maintaining image brightness in display state
2Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is installed outside the rear windscreen to avoid blocking, then the field of vision is not blocked, but the driver cannot observe the situation on the back seats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making the interior rearview mirror capable of operating in multiple modes: mirror mode for traditional reflection and display mode for showing camera images. The smart window enables the mirror to switch between these states, allowing the single device to provide both traditional mirror functionality and digital display capabilities. This resolves the contradiction by enabling comprehensive observation capability (including back seat monitoring via display mode) without requiring separate devices, thus managing system complexity
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 solution enables a display apparatus that can rapidly switch between display and mirror states with low energy consumption, maintaining image brightness and reflectivity, suitable for applications like interior rearview mirrors, where it can save energy by adjusting the display's on/off state based on the visibility-controlling layer's state.
Implementation Method 1
electrochromic smart windows, which can change the color thereof according to the user's requirement and thus further adjust the sunlight irradiation level smartly
Implementation Method 2
a reflective surface made of a silver thin film and reflecting light, which is incident from a direction normal to the first and second substrates, in a direction not parallel to the incident direction of the light is formed above the electrode of the first substrate
Implementation Method 3
the metal thin film formed by electric reduction is not stripped from a transparent electrode through a surface treatment process
Implementation Method 4
an electrodeposition element which includes a first substrate including a first member and an electrode arranged above the first member, a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate and including an electrode, and an electrolyte layer arranged between the electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed is a display apparatus. The display apparatus comprises a display and a field-induced visibility-controlling layer provided on light-outgoing side of the display, wherein the field-induced visibility-controlling layer can be switched between a transparent state and a mirror state by adjusting voltage applied, such that when the field-induced visibility-controlling layer is in the transparent state, the display is visible through the field-induced visibility-controlling layer; and when the field-induced visibility-controlling layer is in the mirror state, a mirror shielding the display is formed therein.