Multi-pane Electrochromic Windows Defect Masking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrochromic windows suffer from high defectivity and limited versatility, lacking the ability to provide a gradation of light transmission and being prone to visual defects due to alignment of defects in multi-pane configurations.

Innovation Solution

The use of two or more panes, each with its own electrochromic device, where the devices are registered one in front of the other, significantly reduces the likelihood of observable visual defects by ensuring that any defects do not align perfectly, allowing for a greater range of light transmission options and improved thermal insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single electrochromic device is used in a window, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility in light transmission control is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmission control optionsVSAvoidwindow structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The window is divided into multiple panes, each containing its own electrochromic device. This segmentation allows each pane to independently control light transmission, providing multiple optical states (e.g., 4 states from two 2-state devices) and greater versatility while keeping individual device structures simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrochromic devices are used in a window pane, then the versatility increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical statesVSAvoiddefect alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing multiple electrochromic devices in the same plane (which would require precise alignment to avoid defect visibility), the patent distributes them across multiple panes in the z-dimension (depth dimension). This spatial arrangement in another dimension eliminates the defect alignment problem while maintaining multiple optical states through combinatorial control of the panes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional electrochromic windows are used, then the device structure is simple, but the defectivity is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual defect observabilityVSAvoidmulti-pane configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of defects in electrochromic devices into a benefit by using multiple panes. The statistical probability of defects aligning perfectly across multiple panes is extremely low, so the multi-pane configuration naturally masks defects. What could be seen as a complication (multiple panes) actually serves to hide defects and improve reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Loss of energy

If a single electrochromic device is used, then the thermal insulation is limited, but the device complexity is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat control efficiencyVSAvoidwindow unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple electrochromic devices into a single window unit structure with multiple panes. This combination not only provides multiple optical states for light control but also improves thermal insulation performance by creating a multi-layer barrier. The merged structure achieves both optical versatility and thermal efficiency simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 versatility of electrochromic windows by offering multiple optical states, reduces observable defects, and improves thermal insulation, enabling more efficient light and heat control while minimizing manufacturing costs and waste.

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.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

a sealing separator between the first and second substantially transparent substrates, which sealing separator defines, together with the first and second substantially transparent substrates, an interior region that is thermally insulating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11724964B2Multi-pane electrochromic windows

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

Window units, for example insulating glass units (IGU's), that have at least two panes, each pane having an electrochromic device thereon, are described. Two optical state devices on each pane of a dual-pane window unit provide window units having four optical states. Window units described allow the end user a greater choice of how much light is transmitted through the electrochromic window. Also, by using two or more window panes, each with its own electrochromic device, registered in a window unit, visual defects in any of the individual devices are negated by virtue of the extremely small likelihood that any of the visual defects will align perfectly and thus be observable to the user.