Inorganic Lubricating Protective Layer for Electrochromic Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices used in glazing are prone to mechanical and chemical damage during manufacturing and handling, leading to scratches, short circuits, and degradation of optical and energetic properties, with existing protective methods being costly, temporary, and causing defects.
Innovation Solution
A protective layer comprising an inorganic lubricating compound, such as titanium oxide, is applied to the electrochromic stack to prevent scratches and chemical corrosion, accompanied by an additional organic protective layer that can be removed by heat treatment, ensuring the electrochromic stack remains protected throughout manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent peelable adhesive polymer film is used to protect the electrochromic stack, then the stack is protected during handling and transport, but the protection causes high cost, leaves residues and marks during peeling, and may cause local delaminations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the protective layer from organic polymer to inorganic oxide (such as silicon oxide, titanium oxide, or zinc oxide). This parameter change transforms the protective layer into a material that can be deposited as a thin film and removed without leaving residues or causing delamination, thus resolving the contradiction between protection reliability and manufacturing ease
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical peeling process with a chemical or thermal removal process. The inorganic oxide protective layer can be removed by chemical etching or thermal treatment without mechanical force, eliminating the problems of residues, marks, and delaminations associated with mechanical peeling
2Reliability
If an organic protective layer is removed by high temperature heat treatment above 600°C, then the protective layer is completely removed, but this process causes degradation of the electrochromic stack and requires additional washing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal stability parameter of the protective layer by using inorganic oxide materials with lower decomposition temperatures than organic materials. The protective layer can be removed at temperatures between 200-400°C, which is sufficient to decompose the organic binder but below the degradation temperature of the electrochromic stack, thus resolving the contradiction between complete removal and quality preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is designed as a composite structure with an inorganic oxide matrix and an organic binder. The inorganic oxide provides thermal stability and protection during handling, while the organic binder allows for controlled removal at moderate temperatures, resolving the contradiction between complete removal and quality preservation
3Ease of manufacture
If the electrochromic stack is left unprotected during manufacturing operations, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the stack is vulnerable to scratches, short circuits, and chemical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the protective inorganic oxide layer before the electrochromic stack undergoes manufacturing operations such as cutting, tempering, or assembly. This preliminary protection allows the stack to withstand mechanical stress and chemical exposure during these operations without damage, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and damage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic oxide protective layer acts as an intermediary between the electrochromic stack and the external environment during manufacturing. It provides a protective barrier against scratches, chemical corrosion, and moisture, while being thin enough not to interfere with the electrical or optical properties of the stack, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and damage prevention
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 effectively reduces the coefficient of friction and prevents damage, maintaining the optical and energetic properties of the electrochromic stack, while being removable and non-invasive to the manufacturing process, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of the glazing.
Implementation Method 1
a protective layer arranged on said electrochromic stack, said protective layer comprising an inorganic lubricating compound
Implementation Method 2
an additional protective layer arranged on said protective layer; said additional protective layer comprising an organic compound
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical system (10) comprising: - an optical system (20) comprising a glazing-function substrate (1) and an electrochromic stack (2) formed on this substrate (1), this electrochromic stack (2) comprising a first transparent conductive layer, a working electrode arranged above said first transparent conductive layer, a counter-electrode arranged above said working electrode, a second transparent conductive layer arranged above said counter-electrode, lithium ions introduced into said electrochromic stack, and preferably a separate layer of an ionic conductor, which layer is inserted between the electrode and the counter-electrode, - a protective layer (3) arranged on said electrochromic stack (2), said protective layer (3) comprising an inorganic lubricating compound.