Electro-chromic Panel Groove Design for Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-chromic panels face challenges in effectively securing space for the electro-chromic device, which affects their operational efficiency and thickness, particularly due to the design of electrodes and the sealing mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The electro-chromic panel design includes a first substrate with a bottom portion, upper portion, and slope portions that create a groove for the electro-chromic device, with electrodes positioned on the bottom and slope portions, and a sealing member in a second groove to maintain the gap between electrodes within 100 micrometers to 1000 micrometers, using organic or inorganic materials and spacers for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electro-chromic device is disposed between the first substrate and second substrate with conventional flat electrode design, then the space for the electro-chromic device is limited, but the panel thickness and current consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first substrate is designed with slope portions that create a groove structure, transforming the flat two-dimensional electrode arrangement into a three-dimensional groove-based configuration. This dimensional change allows the electro-chromic device to be disposed in the groove space between the first and second substrates, effectively increasing the available volume without proportionally increasing the panel thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The first substrate is segmented into a bottom portion, upper portion, and slope portions that form a groove structure. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones: the bottom portion for electro-chromic device placement, the slope portions for electrode disposition, and the upper portion for sealing member attachment, thereby optimizing space utilization.
2Length of stationary object
If the gap between first electrode and second electrode is reduced to save space, then the panel thickness decreases, but the operational efficiency and current consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the groove depth dimension rather than reducing the lateral gap between electrodes, the patent maintains an optimal gap distance for electrical performance while reducing overall panel thickness. The groove structure allows the electro-chromic device to occupy the vertical space without compromising the horizontal electrode spacing.
3Ease of manufacture
If the electrodes are disposed only on the bottom portion, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the space for electro-chromic device and sealing reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The first substrate is divided into functional segments: the bottom portion for electro-chromic device placement, the slope portions for electrode extension, and the upper portion for sealing member attachment. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function optimally while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a systematic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure with slope portions is pre-formed on the first substrate before electrode disposition, creating a predefined space for the electro-chromic device and establishing the framework for reliable sealing member attachment, thereby ensuring sealing reliability from the outset.
4Length of stationary object
If the upper portion is disposed close to the bottom portion, then the panel thickness is reduced, but the space for electro-chromic device and sealing member attachment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by creating slope portions that connect the bottom and upper portions, forming a groove that extends into the substrate thickness. This allows the upper portion to be positioned closer to the bottom portion in terms of overall panel thickness while maintaining adequate groove depth for electro-chromic device placement.
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 design effectively secures the electro-chromic device space, reducing the panel's thickness and current consumption while maintaining the necessary gap for optimal operation, enabling efficient switching between reflective and transmissive modes.
Implementation Method 1
When a potential difference is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode according to a difference between an electric potential of the first electrode and an electric potential of the second electrode, ions or electrons of the electrolyte layer move toward the electro-chromic layer. As the ions or the electrons move in the electro-chromic layer, an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs in the electro-chromic layer, and as a result, a color of the electro-chromic device is changed.
Implementation Method 2
When the electro-chromic layer is colored, the electro-chromic panel operates in a reflective mode to reflect a light, and when the electro-chromic layer is discolored, the electro-chromic panel operates in a transmissive mode to transmit the light.
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-chromic panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate. the first substrate includes a bottom portion, an upper portion disposed higher than the bottom portion, the upper portion being spaced apart from bottom portion and surrounding the bottom portion, and slope portions disposed between the bottom portion and the upper portion to connect a boundary of the bottom portion and an inner boundary of the upper portion. A first electrode is disposed on the bottom portion and a predetermined portion of a slope portion connected to one side of the bottom portion, a second electrode is disposed to overlap the bottom portion and a slope portion connected to other sides of the bottom portion, and an electro-chromic device is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in a first groove defined by the bottom portion and the slope portion.