Electrochromic Sealant Structure for Oxygen and Moisture Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic transparencies require multiple sealant materials to serve as both mechanical and permeability barriers, which can lead to complexity and potential issues with moisture and oxygen ingress.
Innovation Solution
A single sealant material made from an organic polymer with an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters per square meter day atmosphere (cc·/m2·day·atm) is used to act as both a mechanical and permeability barrier, protecting the electrochromic composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sealant materials are used to serve as mechanical and permeability barriers, then protection against moisture and oxygen ingress is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical barrier function and permeability barrier function into a single sealant material layer. This sealant material simultaneously provides structural support (mechanical barrier) and prevents moisture and oxygen ingress (permeability barrier), eliminating the need for separate sealant layers and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sealant material is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical barrier to maintain device structure, a permeability barrier to block moisture and oxygen, and a protective layer for the electrochromic composition. This multi-functional approach reduces complexity while maintaining or improving protection effectiveness.
2Reliability
If multiple sealant materials are used, then protection against moisture and oxygen ingress is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the mechanical barrier and permeability barrier into a single sealant material application step, the manufacturing process is simplified. Instead of requiring multiple separate sealant applications and curing cycles, the single sealant material is applied once and performs all necessary protective functions.
3Device complexity
If a single sealant material is used, then device complexity is reduced, but protection against moisture and oxygen ingress may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single sealant material is formulated as a composite material that integrates both mechanical barrier properties and permeability barrier properties. This composite sealant material combines structural integrity with moisture and oxygen blocking capabilities, achieving the protection level of multiple separate materials while maintaining simplicity.
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 single sealant material effectively prevents moisture and oxygen ingress while maintaining transparency and electrical functionality, simplifying the structure and enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
a permeability barrier in contact with the mechanical barrier to keep moisture and oxygen away from the electrochromic composition
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical barrier in contact with the electrochromic composition to hold the electrochromic position in place
Implementation Method 3
switchable transparencies may be used for building transparencies to provide a user with the ability to increase or decrease the visible light transmittance of the transparency
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic article includes a first substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface and a second substrate having a third surface and an opposite fourth surface separated from the first substrate. The second surface of the first substrate faces the third surface of the second substrate and a first electrode is positioned over at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate. A second electrode is positioned over at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate. A sealant material is positioned between the first electrode and second electrode. An electrochromic composition is positioned in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode. The sealant material is formed from an organic polymer material having an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than or equal to 2 cc·/m2·day·atm.