Flexible Smart Window Adhesion Structure for High-Temperature Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible smart windows using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films lack heat resistance, making them unsuitable for electrochromic technology due to high-temperature processing, and polyimide films are prone to damage during substrate peeling and high-temperature treatments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple adhesion promoting layers of metal oxides and metalloid oxides between polyimide films and the electrochromic structure, along with high-temperature polyimide films, to enhance structural stability and impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If PET or optical film is applied to conventional liquid crystal and SPD technology, then the manufacturing process can be performed at lower temperatures, but the film lacks heat resistance and cannot be applied to electrochromic technology requiring high-temperature processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from PET to polyimide film, which has a glass transition temperature of 450°C or higher, enabling the film to withstand the high-temperature processing (400°C or higher) required for electrochromic technology while maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining polyimide film with adhesion promoting layers (metal oxides, metalloid oxides, or organic silane compounds) to achieve both heat resistance and strong adhesion to the electrochromic structure, resolving the contradiction between thermal stability and bonding capability
2Temperature
If polyimide film is applied to achieve heat resistance, then the film can withstand high-temperature processing, but the film may be damaged during substrate peeling or high-temperature treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adhesion promoting layers (metal oxides, metalloid oxides, or organic silane compounds) as intermediary layers between the polyimide film and the electrochromic structure. These intermediary layers mediate the interaction, providing strong adhesion while protecting the polyimide film from damage during substrate peeling and high-temperature treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesion promoting layers are applied beforehand to protect the polyimide film during subsequent high-temperature processing and peeling operations, cushioning against potential damage and ensuring structural reliability throughout the manufacturing process
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 provides a flexible smart window with improved heat resistance and structural integrity, preventing damage and cracks during high-temperature processing, while maintaining electrochromic performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesion promoting layer disposed on the first polyimide film, the first adhesion promoting layer including at least one selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a metalloid oxide, an organic silane compound, and mixtures thereof
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a flexible smart window which includes an electrochromic structure including a discoloration layer, a first polyimide film disposed on the electrochromic structure, a second polyimide film disposed under the electrochromic structure, and a first adhesion promoting layer disposed on the first polyimide film and including at least one selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a metalloid oxide and an organic silane compound. Structural stability of the flexible smart window may be enhanced by improving an adhesive force between the polyimide film and the electrochromic structure in a high temperature process.