Multi-Zone Electrochromic Windows Without Visible Scribe Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic windows suffer from visible scribe lines and loss of functionality when divided into separate tinting zones, limiting their commercial potential.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a monolithic electrochromic device with independent tinting zones separated by resistive zones and varying bus bar configurations to maintain functionality and eliminate visible scribe lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic windows are divided into separate tinting zones, then customizable tinting control is improved, but visible scribe lines and loss of functionality occur
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic device is segmented into multiple independently controllable tinting zones through strategic placement of bus bars and conductive layers, allowing different zones to be tinted at different times and to different degrees, while maintaining the continuity of the electrochromic material layer to prevent scribe line visibility
Solution Approach 2:
Conductive layers and bus bars serve as intermediaries to distribute electrical potential across different zones of the electrochromic device, enabling independent control of each zone while maintaining overall device functionality and preventing visible boundaries between zones
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic windows are divided into separate tinting zones, then customizable tinting control is improved, but visible scribe lines appear
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into zones controlled by different bus bar configurations, but the electrochromic material layer remains continuous and unbroken, eliminating the need for physical scribe lines that would create visible boundaries between zones
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic material layer is maintained as a homogeneous, continuous layer across the entire device surface, ensuring uniform optical properties and eliminating visible boundaries or scribe lines between different tinting zones
3Reliability
If a monolithic electrochromic device is used, then functional integrity is maintained, but flexible zoning capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic electrochromic device incorporates dynamically controllable bus bar configurations and conductive layers that can be selectively activated to create different zoning patterns, allowing the device to transition between fully integrated and segmented operational modes as needed
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
Achieves flexible and aesthetically pleasing tinting without visible scribe lines, enhancing the commercial viability of electrochromic windows by maintaining functional integrity and allowing for customizable tinting gradients.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change.
Implementation Method 2
Tungsten oxide is a cathodically tinting electrochromic material in which a tinting transition, bleached (untinted) to blue, occurs by electrochemical reduction.
Implementation Method 3
When electrochemical oxidation takes place, tungsten oxide transitions from blue to a bleached state.
Implementation Method 4
Tinting zones are defined by virtue of the means for applying potential to the device and/or by a resistive zone between adjacent tinting zones.
Data Source
AI summary
Thin-film devices, for example, multi-zone electrochromic windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. In certain cases, a multi-zone electrochromic window comprises a monolithic EC device on a transparent substrate and two or more tinting zones, wherein the tinting zones are configured for independent operation.