Moisture Resistant Electrochromic Device With Segmented Conductive Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochromic devices face performance degradation due to moisture permeation, which affects their ability to change coloration in response to electric potential, especially when exposed to ambient environments with water vapor.

Innovation Solution

The electrochromic device is structured with segmented conductive layers and encapsulation layers to restrict moisture permeation, allowing for independent control of transmission levels in different regions by adjusting sheet resistances and introducing charged electrolyte species with varying transport rates, enabling selective switching between transmission states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electrochromic device is exposed to ambient environment with water vapor, then the device can operate in real-world conditions, but moisture permeation causes performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational environmentVSAvoidperformance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs encapsulation layers as thin film barriers that conformally coat the EC stack and conductive layers. These encapsulation films create a protective shell that restricts moisture permeation while allowing the device to maintain its flexible form factor and operate in ambient environments with water vapor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulation layers create an inert barrier environment around the electrochromic stack, preventing harmful moisture and oxygen from reaching sensitive components. This inert barrier protects the device performance while allowing operation in non-inert ambient conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Device complexity

If uniform conductive layers are used, then the device structure is simple, but separate control of different regions is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer structureVSAvoidregional control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layers are segmented into multiple discrete regions with different sheet resistance values. This segmentation allows independent electrical control of different device regions, enabling separate transmission level control in first and second regions while maintaining a relatively simple layered structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the conductive layers are assigned different sheet resistance characteristics tailored to specific functional requirements. The first conductive layer region has a first sheet resistance for first region control, while the second conductive layer region has a second sheet resistance for second region control, optimizing performance locally in each region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If single transmission level switching is implemented, then the control system is simple, but functional versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol systemVSAvoidtransmission level control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables dynamic switching between multiple transmission levels (first transmission level and second transmission level) by applying different voltages to the segmented conductive layers. This dynamic control capability allows the device to adapt to varying functional requirements while using a relatively simple voltage control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration enhances the device's ability to maintain performance by preventing moisture-induced degradation and allowing for precise control over transmission levels, improving its functionality in various applications, including camera apertures and architectural uses.

Implementation Method 1

electrochromic materials that are known to change their optical properties, such as coloration, in response to the application of an electrical potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

ions, which can include Li+ ions stored in the CE layer, flow from the CE layer, through the IC layer and to the EC layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11796882B2Moisture resistant electrochromic device

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS INC

AI summary

An electrochromic device is structured to restrict moisture permeation between an electrochromic stack in the device and an external environment. The electrochromic device includes conductive layers and one or more encapsulation layers, where the encapsulation layers and conductive layers collectively isolate the electrochromic stack from the ambient environment. The encapsulation layers resist moisture permeation, and at least the outer portions of the conductive layers resist moisture permeation. The moisture-resistant electrochromic device can be fabricated based at least in part upon selective removal of one or more outer portions of at least the EC stack, so that at least the encapsulation layer extends over one or more edge portions of the EC stack to isolate the edge portions of the EC stack from the ambient environment. The encapsulation layer can include one or more of an anti-reflective layer, infrared cut-off filter, etc.