Electrochromic Element Staggered Auxiliary Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic devices have slow reaction rates and metal elution issues from auxiliary electrodes, limiting their high-speed driving capabilities and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The electrochromic device incorporates staggered first and second auxiliary electrodes with insulation layers to enhance reaction rates and prevent metal elution, utilizing high-conductivity materials like silver and copper with resin insulation to maintain electrical conductivity while preventing ion and electron permeation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional ITO electrodes are used in wide area electrochromic devices, then manufacturing cost is low and ease of manufacture is good, but resistance is high causing voltage drop and slow reaction rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the auxiliary electrode into multiple segments arranged in a matrix pattern rather than using a single continuous electrode. This segmentation reduces the resistance in each segment while maintaining overall electrode functionality, preventing voltage drop and improving reaction rate uniformity across wide area devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces auxiliary electrodes with different properties than the main ITO electrodes. These auxiliary electrodes have lower resistance and are strategically positioned to provide localized enhancement of electrical conductivity in specific regions, improving overall device performance without replacing the entire electrode system.
2Speed
If auxiliary electrodes are added to improve reaction rate, then speed is improved, but metal elution occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary between the auxiliary electrode and the electrolyte layer. This insulating layer prevents direct contact between the metal auxiliary electrode and the electrolyte, thereby preventing metal elution while still allowing the auxiliary electrode to function in improving the reaction rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer is applied beforehand to the auxiliary electrode before assembly, providing pre-protection against metal elution. This preventive measure ensures that the auxiliary electrode can be used to improve reaction rate without the harmful side effect of metal contamination in the electrolyte.
3Speed
If transparent electrodes with low resistance are introduced to overcome slow reaction rate, then speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary electrodes serve multiple functions: they provide additional conduction paths to reduce voltage drop, enhance the reaction rate, and work in conjunction with the main ITO electrodes. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve improved performance without proportionally increasing 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 configuration enables high-speed operation by improving reaction rates and preventing metal elution, allowing for faster switching between transmittance states while maintaining low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The electrochromic device refers to an element that utilizes a reversible color change appearing when an electrochromic material causes an electrochemical oxidation or reduction reaction
Implementation Method 2
utilizing high-conductivity materials like silver and copper with resin insulation to maintain electrical conductivity while preventing ion and electron permeation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrochromic device, and according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrochromic device comprising: a first electrode layer; a first electrochromic layer provided on the first electrode layer; an electrolyte layer provided on the first electrochromic layer; a second electrochromic layer provided on the electrolyte layer; and a second electrode layer provided on the second electrochromic layer, wherein it comprises a first auxiliary electrode layer and a second auxiliary electrode layer each provided on each opposite surface of the first electrochromic layer and the second electrochromic layer opposed to each other with the electrolyte layer interposed therebetween.