Flexible Electrochromic Device for Smart Windows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrochromic devices for smart windows are inflexible, expensive, and difficult to manufacture, store, and transport due to their rigid structure, which limits their application and increases logistics costs.

Innovation Solution

A flexible electrochromic device comprising a first base layer, a first barrier layer, a light transmission variable structure, a second barrier layer, and a second base layer, allowing for reversible light transmittance changes with electricity, enabling easy attachment to various window sizes and shapes, including curved windows, and reducing storage space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a glass-type electrochromic device is used, then light transmission variable function is achieved, but the device becomes rigid and expensive with complicated manufacturing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmission variable functionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid glass substrates with flexible polymer film substrates (first and second base layers). This allows the electrochromic device to be manufactured more simply while maintaining the light transmission variable function through electrochromic materials deposited on the flexible films.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining flexible polymer base layers with electrochromic functional layers. This composite approach enables the device to achieve both flexibility and the required electrochromic light transmission control, avoiding the need for complex glass manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a glass-type electrochromic device is used, then light transmission variable function is achieved, but storage space is occupied and logistics costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmission variable functionVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible film-based construction allows the electrochromic device to be rolled or folded for compact storage, dramatically reducing the volume occupied during logistics transportation compared to rigid glass devices that must be stored flat and cannot be compacted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a glass-type electrochromic device is used, then light transmission variable function is achieved, but the device becomes fragile and dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmission variable functionVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fragile glass substrates with flexible polymer film substrates that are inherently impact-resistant. The flexible base layers can deform under impact without breaking, eliminating the safety hazards associated with shattered glass while preserving the electrochromic functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible structure is adopted, then flexibility and ease of attachment are improved, but mechanical properties may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidmechanical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material construction with multiple functional layers (base layers, barrier layers, electrochromic layers) where each layer contributes specific properties. The barrier layers provide mechanical strength and protection, while the flexible base layers provide adaptability, creating a composite that achieves both flexibility and adequate mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite 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 flexible electrochromic device achieves excellent light transmission variability while ensuring mechanical properties, enhancing energy efficiency, workability, and reducing logistics costs by allowing easy cutting and rolling for storage and transport.

Implementation Method 1

Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which an electrochemical oxidation or reduction reaction takes place as electric power is applied, and an inherent color or optical properties such as light transmittance of an electrochromically active material are changed accordingly.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS11852908B2Flexible electrochromic device

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 SKC CO LTD

AI summary

The embodiments relate to an electrochromic device having flexibility while achieving an excellent light transmission variable function based on the electrochromic principle. The flexible electrochromic device comprises a first base layer; a first barrier layer on the first base layer; a light transmission variable structure on the first barrier layer; a second barrier layer on the light transmission variable structure; and a second base layer on the second barrier layer.