Electrochromic Polymer IR Shutter Replacing Mechanical Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrared (IR) devices rely on bulky mechanical shutters that are expensive, slow, and prone to shock and wear, limiting their reliability and efficiency in applications such as IR spectroscopes and night vision equipment.
Innovation Solution
Development of compositions and devices utilizing conjugated electrochromic polymers that can be electrically switched between transparent and opaque states to control IR transmission, replacing mechanical shutters with a lightweight and rapid switching solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical shutters are used for IR light control, then the device can block and transmit IR light, but the device becomes bulky, expensive, and slow to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electrochromic polymer-based optical modulator that uses electrical signals to control IR light transmission. The conjugated electrochromic polymer changes its optical properties (transparent to opaque) in response to electrical potential, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same light control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the electrochromic effect where the optical parameters (transparency/opacity) of the conjugated electrochromic polymer change in response to changes in electrical potential. By applying voltage, the polymer transitions between doped (opaque) and undoped (transparent) states, enabling rapid control of IR light transmission without mechanical movement.
2Speed
If mechanical shutters are used for IR light control, then the device can shutter IR light, but the device becomes slow to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electrochromic polymer-based optical modulator that uses electrical signals to control IR light transmission. The conjugated electrochromic polymer changes its optical properties (transparent to opaque) in response to electrical potential, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same light control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the electrochromic effect where the optical parameters (transparency/opacity) of the conjugated electrochromic polymer change in response to changes in electrical potential. By applying voltage, the polymer transitions between doped (opaque) and undoped (transparent) states, enabling rapid control of IR light transmission without mechanical movement.
3Reliability
If mechanical shutters are used for IR light control, then the device can block IR light, but the device becomes vulnerable to shock and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electrochromic polymer-based optical modulator that uses electrical signals to control IR light transmission. The conjugated electrochromic polymer changes its optical properties (transparent to opaque) in response to electrical potential, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same light control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the electrochromic effect where the optical parameters (transparency/opacity) of the conjugated electrochromic polymer change in response to changes in electrical potential. By applying voltage, the polymer transitions between doped (opaque) and undoped (transparent) states, enabling rapid control of IR light transmission without mechanical movement.
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 electrochromic polymer-based devices provide a cost-effective, lightweight, and reliable means to control IR light transmission, enhancing the speed and reliability of IR shuttering and transmission operations across various IR wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
conjugated electrochromic polymers that are operable to be electrically interchanged from a transparent state to an opaque or non-transparent state
Implementation Method 2
block infrared light when in the opaque state
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to compositions and devices operable for infra-red transmission and blocking comprising a layered structure having a first electrically conducting layer, a conjugated electrochromic polymer layer, an electrolyte layer and a second electrically conducting layer, wherein the first and second electrically conducting layers have an infrared transparency and the conjugated electrochromic polymers may be operable to be electrically switched between a transparent state that transmits infrared light to an opaque state that does not transmit infrared light. In some embodiments, a device of the disclosure may also have one or more outer substrates sandwiching the other layers. Some embodiments relate to single-layered devices. Some embodiments relate to combined layers. Compositions and devices of the disclosure may be integrated into a wide variety of infrared systems for transmission, shuttering and calibration applications.