Monolithic Electrochromic Window Zoning Without Visible Scribe Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic windows with multiple tinting zones face challenges in achieving seamless tinting transitions and avoiding visual distractions from scribe lines, which limits their commercial potential despite advancements in electrochromic technology.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a monolithic electrochromic device with resistive zones and lengthwise variable bus bars allows for independent operation of multiple tinting zones without physical segmentation, using resistive zones to inhibit electron and ion flow and bus bars to create gradient tinting effects, thereby eliminating visible scribe lines and enhancing user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic windows are divided into multiple separate devices to create tinting zones, then independent control of zones is achieved, but visible scribe lines appear in the viewable area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate EC devices into a single monolithic EC device, eliminating the need for isolation scribes between zones. The multiple tinting zones are created within one continuous EC coating, allowing independent control through selectively positioned bus bars without visible segmentation lines in the viewable area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the monolithic EC device into multiple independently controllable tinting zones by strategically placing bus bars at specific locations. Each zone can be tinted or cleared independently through its associated bus bars, achieving functional segmentation without physical division of the EC coating.
2Adaptability or versatility
If isolation scribes are used to separate tinting zones, then independent operation is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple EC devices into one monolithic structure, eliminating the need for isolation scribes and reducing manufacturing steps. The single continuous EC coating simplifies the fabrication process compared to assembling multiple separate devices with isolation barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local electrical resistance variations within the monolithic EC device by positioning bus bars at specific locations. This allows independent control of different zones through localized electrical pathways without requiring physical isolation scribes throughout the entire device structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic EC device is used without segmentation, then manufacturing is simplified, but independent control of multiple zones is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces local quality variations into the monolithic EC device by strategically positioning bus bars at specific locations. This creates distinct electrical zones within the continuous EC coating, enabling independent control of multiple tinting zones while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates dynamically controllable zones within the monolithic EC device through selectively positioned bus bars. Each zone can be independently activated or deactivated through its associated bus bars, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining the structural simplicity of a single continuous EC coating.
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 solution enables electrochromic windows to achieve smooth, gradient-like tinting transitions without visible scribe lines, improving aesthetics and functionality, and allows for customizable lighting solutions by enabling independent control of multiple tinting zones within a single monolithic device.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change. The optical property is typically one or more of tint, transmittance, absorbance, and reflectance.
Implementation Method 2
The two or more tinting zones are not separated from each other by isolation scribes. For example, there may be two tinting zones on the lite and the associated bus bars arranged are located at opposing edges of the lite (e.g., vertically oriented), wherein a set of bus bars is associated with each of the two tinting zones.
Data Source
AI summary
Thin-film devices, for example, multi-zone electrochromic windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. In certain cases, a multi-zone electrochromic window comprises a monolithic EC device on a transparent substrate and two or more tinting zones, wherein the tinting zones are configured for independent operation.