Electrochromic Wearable Device for Dynamic Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable electro-optical devices, such as sunglasses and helmet faceshields, lack the ability to control light transmittance effectively, which is necessary for adjusting to varying ambient lighting conditions. Existing photochromic lenses have limitations such as slow response times, dependence on UV radiation, and temperature sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electro-optical device incorporating an electrochromic layer with a quaternary salt of dipyridine as the cathodic component and a ferrocene derivative as the anodic component, along with a polymeric thickener and solvent. This device is electrically controlled by a controller to vary light transmittance in response to user commands or ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic lenses are used to control light transmittance, then the lenses can automatically adjust to UV radiation, but the response time is slow (several minutes) and they are temperature dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical photochromic mechanism with an electrochromic system that uses electrical signals to control light transmittance. The electrochromic layer responds to voltage changes from a controller, eliminating the slow chemical reaction delays inherent in photochromic materials while providing rapid optical property changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from UV radiation exposure (passive chemical response) to applied voltage (active electrical control). This allows the system to respond immediately when voltage is applied to the electrochromic layer, providing fast response times independent of temperature and UV intensity variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic lenses are used, then automatic UV response is achieved, but the lenses require comparable time to recover transparency after UV exposure ends
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic system replaces the irreversible chemical recovery process of photochromic lenses with a reversible electrical control mechanism. When the controller stops applying voltage, the electrochromic layer rapidly returns to its transparent state, providing fast recovery times that are not limited by chemical reaction kinetics.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sunglasses or helmet faceshields are used, then eye protection is provided, but the light transmittance cannot be adjusted based on ambient lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static sunglasses or faceshields into dynamic devices by incorporating an electrochromic layer that can change its optical properties. The controller adjusts the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer based on ambient lighting conditions, enabling real-time adaptation of light transmittance while maintaining eye protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect ambient lighting conditions and provide feedback to the controller. The controller then adjusts the electrochromic layer's transmittance accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that automatically optimizes both eye protection and visual comfort based on environmental conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic lenses are used, then light transmittance control is achieved, but the lenses are temperature dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic system replaces the temperature-sensitive chemical reactions of photochromic lenses with an electrical control mechanism. The voltage applied to the electrochromic layer directly controls light transmittance without being influenced by temperature, eliminating the thermal dependence problem inherent in photochromic materials.
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 electrochromic device enables rapid and controlled adjustment of light transmittance, overcoming the limitations of photochromic lenses by providing quick response times, independence from UV radiation, and improved performance across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic layer comprising electrochromic composition comprising a cathodic component in the form of a quaternary salt of dipyridine, an anodic component in the form of a ferrocene derivative or heterocyclic compound capable of switching between two oxidation states
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic device, a method of forming an electrochromic device, and a wearable electro-optical device having an electrochromic layer with controlled light transmission based on applied electrical voltage. The device consists of two transparent flexible conductive polymer electrodes disposed and an electrochromic layer disposed between them. The electrochromic layer is a homogeneous mixture of active electrochromic components dissolved in a polymer matrix. The electrochromic device is operable to vary the light transmission of any wearable electro-optical devices, such as the glasses, for creating an effect of a blackout for augmented/virtual reality glasses and is operable to vary the light transmission of a glass substrate.