Electrochromic Mirror Module Yellowish Reflection Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic rear-view mirrors exhibit a yellowish appearance over time due to the characteristics of their materials, affecting their aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic mirror module incorporating a connecting layer with a first absorbing material that absorbs light in the range of 570 nm to 720 nm, combined with an electrochromic device featuring a light transmissive electrode and electrochromic layer, which together manage light transmission and absorption to prevent yellowish reflections, using materials like 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran and methyl salicylate for appropriate color appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrochromic materials are used, then the mirror provides anti-glare function and brighter reflecting image, but the appearance color becomes yellowish and deeper with time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting layer as an intermediary component between the electrochromic device and the outside environment. This layer contains a first absorbing material that specifically absorbs light in the 570-720 nm wavelength range (yellow-orange-red spectrum), preventing these wavelengths from contributing to the yellowish appearance while allowing the electrochromic device to maintain its anti-glare functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color change principles by using the first absorbing material to selectively absorb specific wavelength ranges (570-720 nm) of light. This absorption prevents the yellowish coloration from appearing in the mirror's reflection, effectively changing the perceived color output while maintaining the underlying electrochromic functionality.
2Shape
If a connecting layer with first absorbing material is added to prevent yellowish appearance, then the color appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of the connecting layer with the absorbing material function. The connecting layer not only provides structural connection between components but also incorporates the first absorbing material to perform optical filtering, thereby combining multiple functions into a single component and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting layer is designed to serve multiple purposes: it provides structural connection between the electrochromic device and housing, and simultaneously functions as an optical filter through the first absorbing material. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device 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 effectively absorbs yellow, orange, and red light spectra, ensuring the reflected image is not yellowish, providing a bluer color and improved visual experience by reducing the b* number in the CIELAB color space, thus maintaining a proper color appearance and visual clarity.
Implementation Method 1
The first absorbing material is configured to absorb a light of the incident light which is in a first spectrum, and wavelength of the first spectrum falls in a range from 570 nm to 720 nm
Implementation Method 2
The electrochromic device is configured to receive an incident light, and the incident light sequentially passes through the cover lens and the connecting layer and reaches the electrochromic device
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic mirror module including a cover lens, a connecting layer, and an electrochromic device is provided. The connecting layer includes a first absorbing material. The connecting layer connects between the cover lens and the electrochromic device. The electrochromic mirror module is configured to receive an incident light, and the incident light sequentially transmits through the cover plate and the connection layer to reach the electrochromic device. The first absorbing material is configured to absorb light of the incident light, whose wavelength falls in a first spectrum, and the wavelength of the first spectrum fall within the range of 570 nm to 720 nm.