Electrochromic Device Segregation Reduction via Terminal Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic (EC) elements face segregation issues due to potential distribution, leading to degraded decolorization response and increased time required for colorless state achievement, with existing solutions either prolonging response time by increasing viscosity or limiting material selection.
Innovation Solution
The electrochromic device employs a configuration with multiple anode and cathode terminals, where drive voltage is applied to terminal pairs in non-overlapping periods to reduce segregation, maintaining response efficiency without increasing viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the viscosity of the EC solution is increased to reduce segregation, then the occurrence of segregation is reduced, but the response time of the EC element is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrode into multiple terminal pairs, applying voltage sequentially to different segments rather than simultaneously across the entire electrode. This segmentation approach reduces the potential distribution gradient that causes segregation while maintaining fast response times by avoiding the need to increase viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic voltage application to different terminal pairs in sequence. By alternating the application of voltage between multiple terminal pairs over time, the system achieves uniform electrochromic response without creating strong potential gradients that would cause segregation, thereby maintaining fast response speed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a polymer matrix is added to increase EC solution viscosity, then segregation is reduced, but the diffusion rate of EC material decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the electrode into multiple terminal pairs and applies voltage sequentially to different segments. This approach eliminates the need to increase viscosity for segregation prevention, thereby maintaining high diffusion rates of EC material to the electrode surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by applying voltage sequentially to multiple terminal pairs rather than simultaneously. This parameter change allows the EC solution to maintain low viscosity while still preventing segregation through controlled potential distribution.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple terminal pairs are used with non-overlapping voltage application periods, then segregation is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrode into multiple terminal pairs, which segments the voltage application process. While this increases the number of terminals, it systematically addresses segregation through controlled sequential operation, making the complexity manageable and beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic voltage application to multiple terminal pairs in sequence. This periodic operation pattern simplifies the control logic compared to simultaneous multi-terminal activation, as it follows a systematic time-multiplexed approach that reduces segregation while maintaining manageable device complexity.
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
This approach effectively reduces segregation in EC elements, maintaining response speed and flexibility in material selection, while preventing the prolonged response times associated with increased viscosity.
Implementation Method 1
A compound of the type that optical characteristics, such as an absorption wavelength and an absorbance of a substance, are changed by electrochemical redox reaction is called an electrochromic material
Implementation Method 2
An EC element utilizing the EC material is applied to a display device, a variable reflectance mirror, a variable transmission window
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic device includes an electrochromic element 110 including an anode electrode 2a, a cathode electrode 2b, and an electrochromic layer 4, and drive means 120 connected to the electrochromic element. The electrochromic element 110 includes a plurality of anode terminals (A1, A2) electrically connected to the anode electrode 2a, and a plurality of cathode terminals (C1, C2) electrically connected to the cathode electrode 2b, and each of the anode terminals constitutes a terminal pair in combination with one of the cathode terminals. At least part of a first application period in which the drive means 120 applies a voltage to a first terminal pair that is one of the terminal pairs and at least part of a second application period in which the drive means 120 applies a voltage to a second terminal pair that is another one of the terminal pairs are not overlapped with each other.