Isolated Electrode Cell Design for Electrochromic Species Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electro-optic devices struggle to isolate and observe specific electrochromic species within an electro-optic cell without interference from other absorptive species, limiting their functionality in applications such as optical imagers and filters.

Innovation Solution

The design of isolated electrode cells, where active anode and cathode regions are spatially arranged to isolate electrochemically activated electrochromic species, allowing only one species to be observed in a particular region, achieved through non-overlapping electrode configurations and masking techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional electro-optic cell design with overlapping electrodes is used, then charge balance is maintained, but interference from multiple absorptive species prevents isolation and observation of specific electrochromic species

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation of specific electrochromic speciesVSAvoidinterference from absorptive species

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode surfaces are segmented into distinct active regions (anode and cathode) that are spatially separated and do not overlap when viewed from the optical path. This segmentation allows each electrode region to independently generate its electrochromic species without interference from the other, enabling isolated observation of specific species while maintaining overall charge balance in the cell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If electrode regions are spatially separated to isolate electrochromic species, then observation precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to non-overlapping configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation of electrochromic speciesVSAvoidelectrode configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the electrode surfaces are assigned different functional qualities: the anode active region is optimized for generating one type of electrochromic species while the cathode active region is optimized for generating another type. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function independently, achieving species isolation without requiring complex overall device architecture.

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 approach enables the absorption of only one electrochromic species to be observed in a particular region, enhancing the functionality of electro-optic devices by reducing interference and maintaining charge balance within the cell.

Implementation Method 1

an electrochromic medium; wherein the second and third surfaces are substantially parallel to one another; the sealing member is positioned between the first substrate and second substrate to define a chamber containing the electrochromic medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

an active anode region is present in one or more of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

an active cathode region is present in one or more of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 4

the electrochromic medium comprises at least one cathodic electroactive material and at least one anodic electroactive material. In some embodiments, at least one of the cathodic electroactive material and the anodic electroactive material is electrochromic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10686181B2Isolated cell design in electro-optic devices

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

An electro-optic device includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the first and second surfaces are substantially parallel to one another; a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface, the third and fourth surfaces are substantially parallel to one another; a sealing member; and an electrochromic medium; wherein the first and second substrates are substantially parallel to one another; the sealing member is positioned between the first substrate and second substrate to define a chamber containing the electrochromic medium; the second surface and the third surface are proximate to one another; the second surface includes a conductive layer; the third surface includes an optional second conductive layer; an active cathode region is present in one or more of the first conductive layer and the optional second conductive layer; an active anode region is present in one or more of the first conductive layer and the optional second conductive layer; and (1) the active anode region is at least partially not occluded by the active cathode region when the chamber is viewed from any vantage point perpendicular to the second surface; or (2) the active cathode region is at least partially not occluded by the active anode region when the chamber is viewed from any vantage point perpendicular to the second surface.