Optical Element Insulating Ribs Current Density Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical elements, such as electrodeposition, electrochemical luminescent, and electrochromic elements, face challenges in achieving uniform optical characteristics across their surfaces due to non-uniform current density distribution, leading to variations in light reflectance and color appearance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating insulating members or features like dot-shaped holes in the electrode structure to manage current density uniformly, ensuring consistent thickness and uniformity of the deposited film, thereby maintaining consistent optical properties across the element's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If voltage is applied to precipitate electrodeposition material uniformly across the electrode surface, then the optical state switching is improved, but non-uniform current density distribution causes non-uniform film thickness and inconsistent optical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces insulating members (such as insulating ribs or insulating layers) at specific locations on the electrode surface to create local variations in the electric field distribution. These insulating members are strategically positioned to redirect current flow and ensure uniform current density across the electrode surface, thereby achieving uniform film thickness and consistent optical characteristics throughout the optical element.
2Power
If the electrode surface is made highly conductive to improve electrical performance, then the electrochemical reaction efficiency is improved, but current density becomes highly non-uniform leading to localized deposition and optical inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating members act as intermediary elements that modify the electric field distribution between the electrodes. By introducing these insulating structures, the patent mediates the interaction between the highly conductive electrode and the electrolyte, creating a more uniform current density distribution that enables efficient electrochemical reactions while preventing localized deposition and ensuring uniform film thickness.
3Area of stationary object
If the optical element size is increased to meet display requirements, then the coverage area is improved, but non-uniform current density effects are amplified causing greater optical characteristic variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode surface into multiple regions by introducing insulating members that create distinct zones with controlled current density. This segmentation approach allows each region to have optimized current distribution, preventing the amplification of non-uniformity effects that would otherwise occur in larger optical elements, thereby maintaining consistent optical characteristics across the entire enlarged surface area.
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
The solution ensures a uniform optical characteristic across the element's surface, enhancing light reflectance or absorption states by regulating current density and film thickness, resulting in a more consistent and stable optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
When a voltage is applied between the pair of transparent electrodes, an electrochemical reaction (an oxidation-reduction reaction) occurs which causes the electrodeposition material (silver) in the electrolyte layer to be precipitated and deposited on one of the electrodes.
Implementation Method 2
The electrodeposition material, when precipitated and deposited on a surface of one of the electrodes that is comparatively planar, forms a mirror surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
An optical element comprises a first electrode; a second electrode partially including insulating areas; a seal frame member located between the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte layer that fills a space defined by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the seal frame member; a first connection electrode disposed outside the seal frame member on the surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate; and a second connection electrode disposed outside the seal frame member on the surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate, wherein, in an area surrounded by the seal frame member, a proportion of the insulating areas of the second electrode included in an unit area relatively close to the first connection electrode is higher than that included in an unit area positioned in the middle of the seal frame member.