Thermochromic Electrochromic Optical Device Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical devices using laminated thermochromic and electrochromic layers face issues where impinging light can heat the laminate above the thermochromic film's transition temperature, causing near-infrared wavelength screening, even when ambient temperature is below the transition temperature, limiting the beneficial transmission of near-infrared light for heating purposes.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising a thermochromic device, an electrochromic device, and a thermally insulating volume that separates the two, allowing independent control of thermochromic and electrochromic properties, where the thermally insulating volume is part of the light path between the electrochromic and thermochromic devices, preventing ambient temperature and light-induced heating from affecting the thermochromic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thermochromic and electrochromic layers are laminated into an integrated device, then a combination of benefits from different techniques is achieved, but impinging light can heat the laminate above the thermochromic film's transition temperature causing near infrared wavelength screening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated device into separate functional zones by introducing a thermally insulating volume between the thermochromic and electrochromic layers. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently at its optimal temperature range, preventing heat transfer from the electrochromic layer to the thermochromic layer while maintaining their integrated functionality for controlling both visible and near-infrared light transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermally insulating volume as an intermediary element between the thermochromic and electrochromic layers. This intermediary prevents direct thermal coupling while allowing optical functionality, enabling the electrochromic layer to be heated by impinging light without transferring that heat to the thermochromic layer, thus preventing unwanted near-infrared wavelength screening
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermochromic and electrochromic layers are laminated together, then optical control is enhanced, but independent control of each layer's properties becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system by creating thermal isolation between the two chromogenic layers through the thermally insulating volume. This allows independent electrical control of the electrochromic layer and independent thermal response of the thermochromic layer, enabling separate optimization of visible and near-infrared light transmission without cross-interference
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally insulating volume acts as an intermediary that decouples the thermal fields of the two layers while maintaining their optical integration. This enables independent operation where the electrochromic layer can be electrically controlled for visible light management while the thermochromic layer responds independently to ambient temperature changes for near-infrared management
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
Enables independent control of thermochromic and electrochromic properties, ensuring near-infrared light transmission is maintained despite high temperatures of the electrochromic device, optimizing visible light throughput and heat transfer by decoupling the behavior of the thermochromic and electrochromic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally insulating volume separating the thermochromic device and the electrochromic device
Implementation Method 2
thermochromic (depending on temperature)
Implementation Method 3
electrochromic (depending on electrical voltage or charge)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
An optical device (1) comprises a first transparent substrate (10), a thermochromic device (20) covering a surface (11) of the first transparent substrate (10), a second transparent substrate (50), an electrochromic device (40) covering a surface (51) of the second transparent substrate (50) and a thermally insulating volume (30) separating the first transparent substrate (10) and the second transparent substrate (50). The thermally insulating volume (30) is preferably a vacuum volume or a volume (31) filled with gas.