Tiled Electrochromic Devices with Gradient Conductive Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale electrochromic devices face challenges in scalability for architectural and transportation applications due to issues like the 'iris' effect, where color change is uneven, and slow switching speeds, and existing methods for tiling devices do not effectively address seam visibility and electrical connection aesthetics in transparent or translucent states.
Innovation Solution
The development of tiled electrochromic devices with a carrier glass substrate, where multiple electrochromic devices are laminated together with seams minimized or obscured, using gradient transparent conductive layers and optimized electrical connections to achieve uniform tint transitions and fast switching speeds, while hiding or masking seams for improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple electrochromic devices are tiled together to form large-area devices, then the area and scalability are improved, but seam visibility and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A carrier glass substrate is introduced as an intermediary element to which multiple electrochromic devices are mounted. This carrier glass serves as a unifying base that hides the seams between individual devices, creating a seamless appearance while enabling large-area coverage through tiling of smaller EC devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional tiling problem to a three-dimensional structure by mounting EC devices on a carrier glass substrate. This dimensional transition allows seams to be obscured from the viewing dimension while maintaining the tiled arrangement, resolving the aesthetic issue without compromising area scalability.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple electrochromic devices are tiled together, then the area is improved, but the uniformity of tint transition deteriorates due to the iris effect
Solution Approach 1:
Gradient transparent conductive layers are applied to different regions of the electrochromic devices with varying conductivities. This local quality adjustment compensates for the iris effect by providing higher conductivity at edges where tinting occurs faster, and lower conductivity at centers where tinting is slower, achieving uniform tint transition across the entire large-area tiled device.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple electrochromic devices are tiled together, then the area is improved, but the switching speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Gradient transparent conductive layers with spatially varying conductivity are implemented to optimize switching speed across different regions of the tiled EC devices. The gradient structure ensures adequate current distribution to maintain fast switching speeds throughout the entire large-area device while achieving uniform tint transitions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If gradient transparent conductive layers are used to achieve uniform tint transitions, then the tint uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductivity parameter of the transparent conductive layers is varied spatially to achieve uniform tint transitions. By changing the conductivity parameter across different regions of the device, the patent compensates for the iris effect and achieves uniform performance without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications.
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 large-area electrochromic devices with uniform and rapid tint transitions across the entire surface, minimizing seam visibility and enhancing visual appeal, thus addressing the scalability and aesthetic issues of large-scale electrochromic devices.
Implementation Method 1
Some electrochromic devices are devices that change color state when an electrical current is applied and can switch back and forth between those different color states.
Implementation Method 2
using gradient transparent conductive layers and optimized electrical connections to achieve uniform tint transitions
Implementation Method 3
multiple electrochromic devices are laminated together with seams minimized or obscured
Data Source
AI summary
A tiled electrochromic (EC) device comprises a carrier glass, a first EC panel laminated to the carrier glass, a second EC panel laminated to the carrier glass, and a seam between the first EC panel and second EC panel. The first and second EC panels comprise an active area, a clear state and a dark state, and the tiled EC device is capable of switching between a clear state and a dark state.