Portable Electrochromic Window Defect Mitigation for Halos and Pinholes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic windows suffer from high defectivity and low versatility due to visual defects such as halos and pinholes, which affect their performance and aesthetic appeal, and current methods for defect mitigation are limited to production facilities, making it costly to replace defective windows in the field.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus for identifying and mitigating visual defects in electrochromic devices, equipped with a microscope, camera, or photo detector for defect detection and a laser or other energy source for mitigation, allowing for on-site correction of defects in installed electrochromic windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrochromic windows are used, then the windows provide electrochromic functionality, but they suffer from high defectivity and visual defects such as halos and pinholes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and mitigating defects before the electrochromic window is installed in the field. The system scans the window surface, identifies defects such as halos and pinholes, and treats them with a localized energy source (e.g., laser) to eliminate the defects before they affect the window's performance or appearance during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical defect mitigation methods (such as physical probing and zapping in production facilities) with a portable optical-detection and energy-source treatment system. This substitution enables non-contact, precise defect identification and treatment using optical fields and localized energy application, improving both precision and versatility.
2Ease of repair
If defect mitigation is performed in production facilities only, then defects can be addressed during manufacturing, but it becomes costly to replace defective windows once installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a portable defect mitigation system that can function in multiple settings: both in production facilities and in the field after installation. The same device performs defect detection, localization, and treatment across different environments, eliminating the need for separate production-line equipment and field repair tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, facility-bound defect mitigation system to a portable, mobile system. The portable apparatus can be moved to different locations, including installed windows in buildings or vehicles, enabling dynamic adaptation to various repair scenarios and making defect mitigation accessible wherever the window is located.
3Reliability
If electrochromic windows are replaced when defective, then performance issues are resolved, but replacement costs increase and lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and correcting defects early, before they lead to complete window failure or performance degradation. By identifying and treating halos, pinholes, and other defects during the warranty period or early in the window's life, the system prevents these defects from escalating into major failures that would require replacement, thereby extending the window's operational lifetime.
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 portable defect mitigator extends the usable lifetime of electrochromic windows by enabling in-field correction of visual defects, reducing replacement costs and maintaining the windows' performance and visual quality.
Implementation Method 1
a laser or other energy source for mitigation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Portable apparatus for identifying and mitigating defects in electronic devices disposed on substrates or windows are disclosed herein. Such defects can be visually perceived by the end user. The substrates or windows may include flat panel displays, photovoltaic windows, electrochromic devices, and the like, particularly electrochromic windows.