Electrochromic System Segmented Electrodes Potential Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent electrochromic systems face issues with irreversible alterations of electroactive substances, unnecessary electric current consumption, poor coloration control, and long response times due to uncontrolled electric potential values and neutralization of substances between supply electrodes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional transparent electrode with no direct electrical contact inside the system, which acts as a reference electrode to control electric potential, reduce neutralization, and enhance response time by applying specific electric potentials, and using electrically insulating films to prevent contact and irreversible degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If two supply electrodes are arranged on the same external wall without direct electrical contact, then light absorption is reduced and contrast is improved, but uncontrolled electric potential causes irreversible alterations of electroactive substances
Solution Approach 1:
The single supply electrode is segmented into multiple separate electrodes (first and second supply electrodes) arranged on the same external wall. These electrodes are electrically isolated from each other by insulating strips, allowing independent potential control while maintaining optical transparency. This segmentation enables precise control of electric potential at each electrode, preventing irreversible alterations of electroactive substances while preserving the light transmission benefits of having electrodes on the same wall.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrically insulating strips are introduced as intermediary elements between the first and second supply electrodes. These insulating strips prevent direct electrical contact between the electrodes, allowing them to be maintained at different electric potentials without causing uncontrolled neutralization reactions. The insulating strips act as mediators that enable independent potential control while preventing harmful interactions between the electrodes.
2Length of stationary object
If supply electrodes are arranged on the same external wall, then system thickness is reduced, but electric current consumption increases due to neutralization of electroactive substances between electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The supply electrodes are segmented into multiple electrically isolated electrodes on the same external wall. This segmentation allows each electrode to independently control the oxidation or reduction of electroactive substances, preventing the neutralization that occurs when substances are converted on one electrode and then neutralized by the other electrode. By controlling each segmented electrode independently, the system maintains thin profile while reducing unnecessary current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric potential parameter of each supply electrode is independently controlled and optimized. By adjusting the potential of each electrode separately, the system can maintain electroactive substances in their desired oxidized or reduced states without causing neutralization reactions. This parameter control enables the thin system design to operate efficiently with reduced current consumption.
3Device complexity
If electric potential is not individually controlled at each electrode, then system complexity is reduced, but response time increases due to delayed coloration control
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrodes, each with its own electric potential control. This segmentation allows individual optimization of response time for each electrode region, enabling faster overall system response. The segmented architecture, while adding some control complexity, enables parallel operation and independent optimization that reduces total response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply electrodes are pre-configured with insulating strips and arranged in specific patterns on the external wall during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of insulating elements and electrode positions enables rapid response during operation, as the electrical isolation and spatial configuration are already optimized before the system begins operation, reducing the time needed for potential adjustments.
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 prevents irreversible alterations, reduces electric current consumption, improves coloration control, and shortens the response time of the electrochromic system by maintaining electroactive substances in stable forms and optimizing their interaction.
Implementation Method 1
substances which are liable to be oxidized or reduced during operation of the system
Implementation Method 2
substances which are liable to be oxidized or reduced during operation of the system
Implementation Method 3
at least some of these electroactive substances having a variable optical effect between an oxidized form and a reduced form thereof
Implementation Method 4
incorporating an additional transparent electrode with no direct electrical contact inside the system, which acts as a reference electrode to control electric potential
Implementation Method 5
using electrically insulating films to prevent contact and irreversible degradation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a transparent electrochromic system (100), including a cellular structure (13), two power supply electrodes (1, 2) together supported on a single wall (10), and at least one additional electrode (3). Said additional electrode can be used as a reference electrode or as a polarization electrode. Said additional electrode can also form a condenser with a fourth electrode that is added to the system, in order to control a migration of certain electroactive substances responsible for coloring and decoloring the system. The operation of the system can thus be improved.