Electrochromic Device Protrusion for Reliable Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic devices face durability issues with electrical connections due to loose screws and small electrode pad areas, leading to unreliable contact and reduced longevity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a protrusion with an electrode pad on the electrochromic element's periphery and a frame with a connecting member that securely electrically connects to the electrode pad, enhancing the contact area and locking mechanism for improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure-bonding or anisotropic conductive rubber is used to connect the electrochromic element to the power source, then the device can be assembled, but the electrical connection durability is poor due to loose screws and small electrode pad areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the electrode pad from a two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional protruding structure. The electrode pad is formed as a protrusion that extends from the edge surface of the electrochromic element in the thickness direction, increasing the effective contact area and enabling more robust electrical connection with the connecting member on the rim.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode pad is segmented into a protruding portion that extends from the edge surface and a base portion that is bonded to the electrochromic element. This segmentation allows the protruding portion to provide enhanced contact area and mechanical interlocking with the connecting member, while the base portion maintains the electrical connection to the electrochromic element's electrode.
2Reliability
If the electrode pad area is increased to improve connection reliability, then electrical contact becomes more reliable, but the electrochromic element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode pad structure with the edge structure of the electrochromic element itself. The protruding portion of the electrode pad is formed as an integral part of the electrochromic element's edge region, combining the electrode function with the structural edge feature, thereby avoiding additional separate components while achieving enhanced connection reliability.
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 provides an electrochromic device with excellent durability of electrical connections, enabling reliable light transmittance adjustment in applications like electrochromic spectacles, maintaining functionality even after repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon where a redox reaction is performed to reversibly change a color by applying voltage. An electrochromic element utilizing the electrochromism has been intensively studied to realize applications derived from characteristics of the electrochromism.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electrochromic device including an electrochromic element including a protrusion on a periphery of the electrochromic element, and a frame holding the electrochromic element, wherein the protrusion includes an electrode pad, and the frame includes a connecting member configured to electrically connect to the electrode pad.