Solid Electrolyte Layer for Compact Electro-Chromic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for compact, mechanically-robust solid-state electro-chromic film stacks that can be easily applied to existing surfaces, operating under low voltage without large batteries, and providing fast-responding, variable transmission performance.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first and second transparent conductive layer, at least one electro-chromic layer between them, and a solid or quasi-solid electrolyte layer between the conductive layers and in contact with the electro-chromic layer. The electrolyte layer is a composite material with at least three major components, including polymers such as polyacrylate and polyvinylidene difluoride, and ionic salts, with a conductivity greater than 10^-4 S/cm and average transmission of more than 85% in the visible spectral range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used in electro-chromic devices, then ionic conductivity is improved, but mechanical robustness and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite solid or quasi-solid electrolyte materials that combine multiple components (such as polymers, plasticizers, and ionic compounds) to achieve both high ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness. This composite approach allows the electrolyte to maintain structural integrity while enabling efficient ion transport, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and mechanical strength.
2Power
If large batteries are used to power electro-chromic devices, then voltage requirements are met, but device compactness and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes solid or quasi-solid electrolytes with inherently high ionic conductivity that enable the electro-chromic device to operate at lower voltages. This parameter change in operating voltage reduces the power requirements, allowing the device to function with smaller, more compact power sources instead of large batteries, thus maintaining both adequate power and compactness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic lenses are used for variable transmission, then optical switching is achieved, but response time and dynamic range are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces photochromic mechanisms with electro-chromic mechanisms driven by solid or quasi-solid electrolytes. This substitution enables active electrical control of transmission properties, providing faster response times and superior dynamic range compared to passive photochromic materials, while maintaining the variable transmission functionality.
4Ease of manufacture
If solid electrolyte layers are formed in-situ, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent forms the solid or quasi-solid electrolyte layer in-situ during the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate electrolyte assembly steps. This preliminary integration of electrolyte formation into the base manufacturing process simplifies overall manufacturing while requiring precise control of formation conditions to ensure uniform, defect-free electrolyte layers with appropriate thickness and composition.
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 the creation of compact, mechanically robust electro-chromic devices with fast response times and high dynamic range, suitable for applications such as photochromic lenses and other switching technologies, while eliminating the need for large batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a solid or quasi-solid electrolyte layer disposed between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer and in contact with the at least one electro-chromic layer
Implementation Method 2
at least one electro-chromic layer disposed between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer
Implementation Method 3
an optically-transparent photo-cured electrolyte, and an optically transparent thermally-cured electrolyte. The solid or quasi-solid electrolyte layer being a composite material comprising at least three major components
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-chromic device including a solid or quasi-solid electrolyte layer is disclosed. The electrolyte layer may be a composite polymeric electrolyte layer. The polymeric electrolyte layer may be a conductive transparent adhesive or an optically transparent cured electrolyte. The electrolyte layer may also be a porous optically transparent membrane impregnated or embedded with an electrolytic material. Methods for forming solid or quasi-solid electrolyte layers in-situ in electro-chromic devices are also provided.