Electrophoresis Smart Window Mesh Electrode Stripe Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmittance-variable elements using the electrophoresis method face challenges in creating selective, stripe-shaped light-shielding regions due to opaque electrode wiring and pattern electrodes with wide line widths, which compromise transparency and visibility.

Innovation Solution

A transmittance-variable element with a mesh-patterned electrode configuration, where two substrates have an electrophoresis layer and specially designed electrode wirings that apply electric signals to control light transmittance, allowing for adjustable stripe-patterned transmission regions by varying the electrophoresis effect without overlapping electrode regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If opaque electrode wiring material is used in electrophoresis method, then electrical conductivity is improved, but light transmittance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidlight transmittance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple isolated electrode regions instead of continuous wiring, allowing selective application of electric signals to specific regions while maintaining overall transparency. The electrode wiring is divided into first and second electrode wirings with different potentials, enabling independent control of different electrode regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode have different electrical potentials (first potential vs. second potential), creating local quality variations that enable selective control of light-shielding regions. The isolated electrode regions can be independently activated to create stripe-patterned transmission regions with varying local properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If pattern electrode with wide line width is used, then electrical conductivity is improved, but manufacturing precision of stripe pattern deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidstripe pattern precision
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into multiple narrow isolated electrode regions rather than using wide continuous pattern electrodes. This segmentation allows for precise stripe pattern formation while maintaining sufficient electrical conductivity through the collective effect of multiple segmented electrodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode structure transitions from a two-dimensional continuous pattern to a three-dimensional array of isolated electrode regions with controlled spacing. This dimensional change enables precise stripe patterns while maintaining electrical conductivity through the distributed electrode network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Power

If continuous electrode wiring is used, then electrical conductivity is improved, but adaptability of transmission region control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidtransmission region control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous electrode wiring is segmented into multiple isolated electrode regions that can be independently controlled. This allows flexible adaptation of transmission regions by selectively activating different combinations of electrode regions, enabling various stripe patterns and control schemes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode system becomes dynamic with isolated electrode regions that can be independently activated or deactivated. This dynamic control enables flexible adaptation of transmission regions, allowing the system to respond to different operational requirements by selectively applying electric signals to specific electrode regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables effective control of light transmittance in a stripe pattern, enhancing transparency and visibility by applying electric signals to specific electrode regions, achieving improved light management in smart windows.

Implementation Method 1

an electrophoresis layer, and a plurality of wirings... an electrophoresis layer may be provided between the two substrates. The element of the present application comprising the electrophoresis layer can adjust light transmittance of the entire element according to the electrophoresis method.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentEP3511771B1Smart window with transmittance-variable device
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3511771B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP3511771B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3511771B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~3d

AI summary

The present invention relates to a transmittance-variable element. The transmittance-variable element of the present application may comprise two substrates each comprising an electrode, an electrophoresis layer provided between the substrates, and a plurality of wiring groups, and may control transmission regions of the element in a stripe form.