Gel Electrochromic Devices for Consistent Optical Transmission Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved electrochromic materials, devices, and methods of their manufacturing and operation to enhance their performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The development of electrochromic devices and components, including electrochromic compositions and layers in the form of gels, with specific configurations and control methods to optimize optical properties and operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrochromic materials and structures are used, then basic electrochromic function is achieved, but optical properties and operational efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidoptical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite electrochromic materials combining multiple functional components (electrochromic compounds, conductive polymers, and electrolytes) to achieve superior optical properties and operational efficiency compared to conventional single-material systems. The composite structure allows synergistic interaction between components, enhancing both coloration efficiency and cycling stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes operational efficiency by carefully controlling electrochemical parameters including voltage cycling ranges, current density, and electrolyte composition. These parameter adjustments enable improved reversibility and reduced degradation during repeated electrochromic cycling while maintaining high optical contrast.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If electrochromic devices are manufactured with standard methods, then device functionality is achieved, but manufacturing precision and consistency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary preparation of electrochromic compositions with precisely controlled formulations before device assembly. This pre-characterization of materials including viscosity adjustment, bubble removal, and uniformity verification ensures consistent device performance while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through reduced variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention incorporates quality control feedback mechanisms during manufacturing, including real-time monitoring of electrochromic response characteristics and optical properties. This feedback enables immediate adjustment of manufacturing parameters to maintain precision and consistency across production batches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Illumination intensity

If basic electrochromic compositions are used, then color change function is achieved, but light transmission control and optical performance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmission controlVSAvoidelectrochromic material concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality optimization by distributing electrochromic materials with varying concentrations and compositions across different regions of the device. This spatial variation in material properties enables enhanced light transmission control and uniform optical response while reducing the total quantity of electrochromic substance required.

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

The solution provides enhanced electrochromic devices with improved optical properties and operational efficiency, enabling effective control of light transmission and color change in response to electrical signals.

Implementation Method 1

Electrochromism is the physical phenomenon found in certain compounds, compositions or assemblies which can reversibly change optical properties such as color or light transmittance due to electric current arising with an application of a voltage called a control voltage.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS12366785B2Electrochromic devices, methods of manufacturing and operation thereof
Publication Date: 2025.07.22 VITRO FLAT GLASS LLC
  • US12366785B2 patent drawing
  • US12366785B2 patent drawing
  • US12366785B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Electrochromic devices and components thereof and systems and methods for controlling electrochromic devices are disclosed. Further, electrochromic materials, electrochromic compositions and electrochromic layers useful for the devices and systems can be in the form of a gel. The present disclosure also provide methods to fabricate electrochromic devices and components thereof, electrochromic compositions, layers and gels.