Electrochromic Element With Semi-Solid Gel for Fast Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic (EC) element manufacturing methods face challenges in achieving a simpler structure, lower cost, and improved reliability, particularly in wearable devices, with vacuum bonding methods not addressing issues related to gelling agents and polymer network arrangement, leading to reduced responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
The EC element incorporates a gel layer made of a crosslinked dimer or higher polymer with a side chain containing a tertiary amine or cyclic imine, fabricated using a vacuum bonding method with a seal pattern and pressure reduction, ensuring high reliability and responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the EC layer is gelled or solidified to prevent solution leakage, then reliability is improved, but response speed deteriorates due to restricted EC molecule movement in the polymer network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the EC layer from a fully gelled/solidified state to a semi-solidified state with controlled gel fraction (1-50%). This parameter adjustment maintains sufficient structure to prevent leakage while preserving enough molecular mobility for fast response. The gel fraction is precisely controlled through selection of specific polymers (dimer or higher polymers with molecular weight 10^4-10^6) and their crosslinking density, achieving the optimal balance between reliability and response speed.
2Reliability
If crosslinking polymerization is used to form EC gel, then reliability is improved, but the EC molecules are arranged in a branched form making them difficult to move, thus response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a heterogeneous structure where gel networks and liquid crystal phases coexist in specific proportions. The gel fraction is controlled to be 1-50%, meaning that in local regions, the EC layer maintains gel structure for stability, while other regions retain liquid crystal characteristics for molecular mobility. This spatial differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between structural stability and molecule mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining gel phase and liquid crystal phase in a semi-solidified EC layer. The gel phase (formed by crosslinked polymer networks) provides structural stability and leakage prevention, while the liquid crystal phase maintains molecular mobility and fast response. This composite structure with controlled phase distribution achieves both reliability and response performance simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If vacuum bonding method is used to manufacture EC elements, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but display defects occur due to solvent evaporation and uneven filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-solidifying or semi-solidifying the EC layer before the vacuum bonding process. The EC composition is prepared in advance with controlled gelation, forming a semi-solidified state that maintains its shape and volume during vacuum bonding. This preliminary structuring prevents solvent evaporation defects and ensures uniform filling, eliminating the need for complex post-processing while maintaining manufacturing 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 method enables cost-effective production of EC elements with enhanced responsiveness and reliability, minimizing display defects and property degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The EC element adjusts the hue or amount of light in the visible light region as a voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes to oxidize or reduce a compound in the EC layer
Implementation Method 2
bonding the first electrode and the second electrode together under the reduced pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic element is fabricated by preparing an electrochromic gel containing a crosslinked product of a dimer or higher polymer of a compound having a side chain containing a tertiary amine or a cyclic imine, placing the electrochromic gel on a first electrode with a seal pattern, reducing the pressure in a region surrounded by the seal pattern, and bonding a second electrode to the first electrode.