Electrochromic Privacy Film with Microstructured Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional privacy films for electronic display devices are static, requiring physical removal and repositioning to switch between privacy and public modes, which is inconvenient and prone to damage.

Innovation Solution

An electronically switchable privacy device with a first and second transparent electrode layer, an electronically switchable layer, and a spacer element, capable of modulating light absorption states between high and low transmission modes upon application of direct current voltage, allowing seamless switching between privacy and public modes without physical removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a static privacy film is used, then privacy is provided, but the film requires physical removal and repositioning to switch modes, reducing convenience and increasing damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching between privacy and public modesVSAvoiddurability of privacy film

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static privacy film into a dynamic, electronically switchable system. The privacy film is integrated with an electrochromic layer and electrode structure that allows it to change its optical properties (from transparent to opaque) in response to electrical signals. This enables the film to switch between privacy and public modes without physical removal, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability by making the film both convenient to switch and durable against physical handling damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically removing and repositioning the privacy film with an electrical system. By incorporating transparent electrodes and an electrochromic material layer, the system uses electrical signals to control the optical state of the film. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical handling, thereby improving both ease of operation (simple electrical switching) and reliability (no physical damage from removal/repositioning).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If an electronically switchable layer is added, then switching between modes becomes convenient, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching between privacy and public modesVSAvoidstructure of privacy device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the privacy film with the electrochromic switching mechanism into a single integrated device. The privacy film, electrode layers, and electrochromic material are combined in a multi-layer structure where the electrochromic layer is sandwiched between transparent electrodes that are themselves integrated with the privacy film structure. This merging reduces device complexity by combining multiple functional components into one unified system, while still providing convenient electronic switching between privacy and public modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables convenient and repeated switching between privacy and public modes with minimal light transmission change, maintaining functionality and durability, enhancing user experience by eliminating the need for physical handling and potential damage.

Implementation Method 1

the electronically switchable layer comprises an electronically switchable material capable of modulation between high and low light absorption states upon application of a direct current voltage across the first and second transparent electrode layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS9500888B2Electronically switchable privacy device

Publication Date: 2016.11.22 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

An electronically switchable privacy device suitable for use in display devices is described. The electronically switchable privacy device comprises a first transparent electrode layer, an electronically switchable layer disposed adjacent to the first transparent electrode layer, and a second transparent electrode layer disposed adjacent to the electronically switchable layer and opposite the first transparent electrode layer. The second transparent electrode layer comprises a transparent substrate layer having a plurality of microstructured ribs extending across a major surface of the transparent substrate layer such that the microstructured ribs form an alternating series of ribs and channels, each channel having channel walls defined by adjacent ribs. A plurality of transparent electrode members comprising a transparent electrode material are disposed on at least one channel wall in a corresponding plurality of the channels; and a bus member provides electrical connectivity across the plurality of transparent electrode members. A spacer element disposed in the electronically switchable layer keeps the first transparent electrode layer spaced apart from the second transparent electrode layer. A portion of the electronically switchable layer at least partially fills the plurality of channels and makes electrical contact with the plurality of transparent electrode members. The electronically switchable layer comprises an electronically switchable material capable of modulation between high and low light absorption states upon application of a direct current voltage across the first and second transparent electrode layers.