Multi-Zone Electrochromic Windows 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 a monolithic electrochromic device is used with physical segmentation (scribe lines) to create multiple tinting zones, then independent operation of zones is achieved, but visible scribe lines appear causing visual distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful scribe lines by using resistive zones that inhibit electron and ion flow without requiring physical cuts through the entire electrochromic device stack. The resistive zones are created by modifying only specific layers (such as the transparent conductor layer) to have higher resistance, thereby preventing the formation of visible scribe lines while still enabling independent zone operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating resistive zones with different electrical resistance properties in specific areas of the electrochromic device. The resistive zones have higher resistance to electron and ion flow compared to the regular electrochromic layers, allowing independent control of tinting zones without affecting the overall monolithic structure or creating visual distractions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If resistive zones are implemented to inhibit electron and ion flow for zone separation, then visible scribe lines are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrochromic device into multiple independently controllable tinting zones by introducing resistive zones between them. These resistive zones act as electrical barriers that prevent electron and ion flow between adjacent zones, allowing each zone to be controlled independently through separate bus bars while maintaining a monolithic device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive zones serve as intermediary elements between adjacent tinting zones. They mediate the electrical isolation between zones by having higher resistance to electron and ion flow, thereby enabling independent zone operation without requiring physical segmentation or creating visible scribe lines in the viewable area.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional electrochromic windows are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but seamless tinting transitions and aesthetic appeal are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical resistance parameter of specific layers (such as the transparent conductor layer) to create resistive zones. By modifying the resistance parameter locally rather than physically segmenting the entire device stack, the patent achieves seamless tinting transitions and eliminates visible scribe lines while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity through standard electrochromic device fabrication processes.
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 aesthetic appeal and functionality by maintaining the integrity of the electrochromic device and allowing for customizable tinting schemes.
Implementation Method 1
a resistive zone between adjacent tinting zones... resistive zones to inhibit electron and ion flow
Implementation Method 2
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
Implementation Method 3
sets of bus bars are configured to apply potential across separate zones (areas) of the device and thereby tint them selectively... bus bars to create gradient tinting effects
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.