Electrochromic Sealant Combining Mechanical and Permeability Barriers
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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 formed 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, positioned between electrodes in an electrochromic device.
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 single layer 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 while maintaining protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant material is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical barrier to maintain device structure, a permeability barrier to block moisture and oxygen, and an adhesive to bond electrodes to substrates. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of components needed while achieving comprehensive protection.
2Device complexity
If a single sealant material is used as both mechanical and permeability barrier, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite sealant materials that integrate multiple functional properties within a single material system. These composite materials combine the mechanical strength needed for structural support with low permeability properties to block moisture and oxygen, achieving both simplified structure and reliable protection through material science advancements.
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 protects the electrochromic composition from moisture and oxygen 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
Electrochromic switchable transparencies are often used when it is desired to vary visible light transmission through a transparency or glazing
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.