Electrochromic Device Spacing Objects Prevent Cell Collapse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochromic devices with narrow cell spacing dimensions face challenges in maintaining cell separation during backfilling and normal operation, as traditional methods fail to prevent cell collapse and maintain aesthetic appearance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating insoluble spacing objects within the electrochromic device chamber, which are transparent or colorless and have a refractive index matching the medium, to maintain cell spacing and prevent collapse, while allowing for faster coloring and clearing times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrochromic devices are used without spacing objects, then the device structure is simpler, but the cell spacing collapses during backfilling and normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell spacing stabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Insoluble spacing objects are introduced as intermediary elements between the first and second substrates to maintain cell spacing. These spacing objects act as mediators that prevent substrate collapse during backfilling and normal operation, solving the reliability issue without requiring complex active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The refractive index of the spacing objects is specifically matched to the electrochromic medium to minimize visual distraction. By changing the optical parameter (refractive index) of the spacing objects to match the surrounding medium, the invention maintains aesthetic appearance while providing the necessary structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If insoluble spacing objects are added to maintain cell spacing, then cell spacing stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell spacing stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing objects are designed to be transparent or colorless with a refractive index matching the electrochromic medium. This optical design makes the spacing objects visually indistinguishable from the surrounding medium, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing necessary structural support. The visual properties of the spacing objects change to match the operational states of the electrochromic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Productivity

If cell spacing is reduced for faster coloring and clearing, then operational speed is improved, but cell collapse risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoloring and clearing speedVSAvoidcell spacing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Insoluble spacing objects are pre-positioned between the substrates before the electrochromic medium is introduced. This preliminary placement ensures that cell spacing is maintained from the outset, enabling the use of narrower cell dimensions for faster coloring and clearing without the risk of collapse during subsequent backfilling or operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 use of insoluble spacing objects ensures stable cell spacing, maintains the device's aesthetic appearance, and enhances operational efficiency by preventing cell collapse and minimizing visual distraction during transmission states.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating insoluble spacing objects within the electrochromic device chamber, which are transparent or colorless and have a refractive index matching the medium, to maintain cell spacing and prevent collapse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical support:

Implementation Method 2

Ultrathin, solution phase electrochromic devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS10866479B2Ultrathin, solution phase electrochromic devices
Publication Date: 2020.12.15 GENTEX CORP
  • US10866479B2 patent drawing
  • US10866479B2 patent drawing
  • US10866479B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrochromic device includes an electrochromic medium including a cathodic component, an anodic component, a hydroquinone, and a solvent.