Electrochromic Device Partial Margination Leakage Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic systems face challenges in maintaining a 'memory effect' to remain in a colored state for an extended period without power supply due to leakage currents, which can lead to short circuits and complicate manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving partial and total margination zones is applied to electrochemical devices, where the functionality of certain layers is inhibited locally, particularly through mechanical or laser treatment, to reduce leakage currents and enhance the memory effect by isolating peripheral areas and preventing short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the electrochromic system is designed to maintain a colored state without power supply, then the memory effect is improved, but leakage currents cause short circuits and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic system is segmented into multiple functional layers (first electroconductive layer, first electrochemically active layer, electrolyte layer, second electrochemically active layer, second electroconductive layer) with distinct roles. The partial margination zone selectively deactivates specific layers at periphery to block leakage current paths while preserving the memory effect in the active region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by creating a partial margination zone at the periphery where only certain layers are deactivated, rather than uniformly deactivating all layers. This localized modification allows the center region to maintain full functionality for memory effect while the periphery provides leakage current blocking.
2Reliability
If the functionality of all layers is inhibited at the periphery to prevent short circuits, then reliability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely deactivating all layers at the periphery (excessive action), the invention applies partial action by selectively deactivating only the electrochemically active layers while leaving the electroconductive layers functional. This partial deactivation achieves short circuit prevention without requiring complete peripheral layer removal or complex masking processes.
3Area of stationary object
If the electrochromic material is left fully active across the entire substrate, then the active area is maximized, but leakage currents reduce the memory effect
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic system is divided into an active central region and an inactive peripheral region through partial margination. This segmentation allows the majority of the substrate area to remain active for electrochromic functionality while the peripheral zone acts as a barrier to leakage currents, preserving memory effect in the active region.
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 approach significantly improves the memory effect by reducing leakage currents and preventing short circuits, allowing the electrochromic system to maintain a colored state for several hours without power, while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one layer of a material capable of reversibly and simultaneously inserting cations and electrons, the oxidation states of which, corresponding to their inserted and expelled states, have different colors
Implementation Method 2
capable of reversibly and simultaneously inserting cations and electrons
Implementation Method 3
EL is an electrolyte material that is both an electronic insulator and an ionic conductor
Implementation Method 4
EL is an electrolyte material that is both an electronic insulator and an ionic conductor
Implementation Method 5
the functionality of at least one of the functional layers is locally inhibited in a first, partial margination zone (A) and the functionality of all the functional layers is locally inhibited, in a second, total margination zone (B)
Data Source
AI summary
Electrochromic device having at least one carrier substrate (S1) provided with a functional multilayer defining a deposition zone and comprising, in succession:a first electroconductive layer (1), (the one closest to the substrate);a first electrochemically active layer (2);an electrolyte layer (3);a second electrochemically active layer (4); anda second electroconductive layer (5),characterized in that the functional multilayer is deactivated, with the exception of the first electrochemically active layer (2), in at least a first, partial margination zone (A) located along at least one edge of said deposition zone.