Electrochromic Window Array With Segmented Conductive Layers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrochromic devices for smart windows lack the ability to precisely control light transmissivity across different zones, limiting their effectiveness in varying lighting conditions and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The electrochromic device features a transparent substrate with discrete conductive segments that form dimmable zones, allowing for controlled light transmissivity adjustment by directing current to specific segments, ranging from 0.01% to 60% transmissivity, enabling precise light blocking or transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If continuous conductive layers are used in electrochromic devices, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the ability to control light transmissivity in specific zones is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissivity control precisionVSAvoidconductive layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous conductive layer is divided into multiple discrete conductive segments (first conductive segments and second conductive segments) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables zone-specific light transmissivity control while maintaining the overall window structure, resolving the contradiction between operational precision and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different zones of the electrochromic device are assigned different conductive segments with independent control capabilities. This allows each zone to have tailored light transmissivity properties based on local requirements, achieving precise local control without complicating the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If discrete conductive segments are implemented to enable zone control, then light transmissivity control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezonal light control capabilityVSAvoidconductive layer fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer is segmented into discrete segments that can be manufactured using standard techniques such as screen printing, sputtering, or lithography. These segmentation methods are compatible with existing manufacturing processes, minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity while enabling zonal control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The discrete conductive segments are designed to work with standard electrochromic device manufacturing processes, allowing the same fabrication techniques used for continuous layers to be adapted for segmented structures. This multi-functionality approach maintains ease of manufacture while achieving enhanced control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the entire electrochromic device is made dimmed, then light blocking is maximized, but the ability to maintain transparency in specific zones is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight blocking efficiencyVSAvoidtransparency variability across zones

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrochromic device is divided into multiple controllable zones through discrete conductive segments, allowing independent activation or deactivation of each zone. This enables the window to transition between fully transparent, fully dimmed, and any intermediate configurations, achieving both maximum light blocking when needed and transparency variability for adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive segments are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing real-time adjustment of which zones are dimmed and which remain transparent. This dynamic control capability enables the system to adapt to varying lighting conditions and user preferences, achieving both efficient light blocking and transparency variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution allows for tailored light management in electrochromic devices, enhancing energy efficiency and user comfort by enabling precise control of light transmissivity across various zones, from near-complete transparency to complete darkness.

Implementation Method 1

Electrochromism refers to a perceptible and reversible change displayed by materials when an electrical charge is applied that causes an electrochemical redox reaction in materials said to be 'electrochromic'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

when an electrical charge is applied that causes an electrochemical redox reaction in materials said to be 'electrochromic'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical redox reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

a first conductive layer disposed on the inner surface of the first transparent substrate... at least one of the first and second conductive layers comprises a plurality of discrete conductive segments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10705402B2Electronic window array

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Methods, systems and apparatuses are presented for controlling ambient light transmission through electrochromic devices comprising a plurality of dimmable zones.