Electrochromic Aircraft Window with GBL Electrolyte

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of electrochromic devices into aircraft windows is complex, leading to high installation and maintenance costs, and existing technologies lack efficient solutions for controlling light transmission and color changes in these applications.

Innovation Solution

The use of a γ-butyrolactone (GBL) bearing electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and low vapor pressure, combined with a multi-layer electrochromic assembly, allows for efficient control of light transmission and color changes in electrochromic devices, including aircraft windows, by facilitating stable ionic mobility and long-term conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional pull down shades are used in aircraft windows, then light transmission control is achieved, but installation complexity and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pull-down shade system with an electrochromic device that uses electrical signals to control light transmission. The electrochromic layer changes its optical properties in response to applied voltage, eliminating the need for mechanical components, complex integration into aircraft windows, and high maintenance requirements associated with traditional shades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of repair

If electrochromic devices are used to control light transmission, then maintenance costs are reduced, but control precision and color stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance costVSAvoidcolor control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the control system that monitors and adjusts the electrical signal applied to the electrochromic device. This ensures precise control over the degree of darkening and color stability, while the solid polymer electrolyte provides long-term reliability and reduced maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the solid polymer electrolyte composition to optimize both the electrochromic response precision and long-term stability. By carefully selecting and formulating the solid polymer matrix and ionic liquid components, the device achieves precise color control while maintaining durability and reducing maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If γ-butyrolactone bearing electrolyte is used in electrochromic devices, then ionic conductivity and stability are improved, but vapor pressure and potential leakage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivity stabilityVSAvoidvapor pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite electrolyte system combining γ-butyrolactone with a solid polymer matrix and ionic liquid. This composite structure provides high ionic conductivity through the γ-butyrolactone while the solid polymer network constrains the liquid, preventing leakage and reducing vapor pressure. The synergistic combination achieves both reliability and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions within the electrolyte system: the γ-butyrolactone provides ionic conductivity in specific pathways, while the solid polymer matrix provides structural integrity and leakage prevention in other regions. This spatial differentiation of functions resolves the contradiction between conductivity and vapor pressure control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 provides stable and efficient control of light transmission and color changes in electrochromic devices, reducing maintenance costs and improving the longevity of the devices, while ensuring safety and compliance with aircraft standards.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Electrochromic devices are often used as windows, shades, dividers, mirrors, or electronic displays, that change color or degree of opacity in respect to an applied electric field or current.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 3

When the voltage is applied across the outer conductors, ions in an electrolyte typically move to the electrochromic layer causing the electrochromic material to change color states. Reversing the voltage moves ions away from the electrochromic layer, restoring the device to its previous state.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8064120B2Aircraft cabin services system including zone controllers for lighting control modules and dimmable windows

Publication Date: 2011.11.22 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Electrochromic window assemblies and methods for providing electrochromic window assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a window assembly includes a first transparent portion and a first trim portion. The first trim portion is located adjacent to the first transparent portion. The window assembly also includes a second transparent portion and a second trim portion. The second trim portion is located adjacent to the second transparent portion. The window assembly further includes an electrochromic assembly. The electrochromic assembly is disposed between the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion so that it is adjacent to both transparent portions.