Transparent Electroactive System Same-Side Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transparent electroactive systems face challenges in maintaining transparency due to light absorption and diffraction issues caused by electrode materials and separation gaps, leading to reduced light transmission and visible artifacts.

Innovation Solution

A configuration where two transparent electrodes are placed on the same side of the outer walls of a closed volume with a liquid or gel medium, featuring a barrier between them to control diffusion and a non-linear separation gap to minimize diffraction, ensuring high transparency and aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If two transparent electrodes are arranged on opposite sides of the medium, then the system can be controlled electrically, but the light transmission is reduced due to cumulative light absorption of both electrodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidelectrode arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional opposite-side electrode arrangement to a same-side electrode configuration, changing the spatial dimension of electrode placement. This allows light to pass through only one electrode rather than both, reducing cumulative absorption while maintaining electrical control capability through the medium's conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If electrodes are juxtaposed on the same side of the medium, then light transmission is improved, but scattering and diffraction occur due to index differences between electrode materials and separation intervals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidscattering and diffraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the separation distance parameter between electrodes to be very small (less than 100 μm), which changes the optical parameters of the system. This small separation reduces the visible gap and minimizes scattering effects while maintaining the transparency benefit of same-side electrode placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If separation distance between electrodes is reduced, then transparency is improved, but a band appears where electroactive substances neutralize each other, causing gradual discoloration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransparencyVSAvoidoptical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary barrier layer between the electrodes that prevents direct contact and neutralization of electroactive substances. This barrier maintains the small separation distance for transparency while blocking the harmful interaction between substances, preventing discoloration and maintaining optical stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system achieves high light transmission and aesthetic transparency by preventing reciprocal neutralization of electroactive substances, allowing for distinct vision and increased optical contrast without visible artifacts, suitable for various applications including glazing and ophthalmic lenses.

Implementation Method 1

electroactive substances having oxidation-reduction potentials which are different. Such substances, which are electrochemically active, can each be converted between an oxidized form and a reduced form, depending on an electric potential created at the location of this substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation-reduction reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

This medium is a liquid and/or a gel, so that the electroactive substances can each diffuse or migrate towards one of the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

the electroactive substances can each diffuse or migrate towards one of the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 4

a barrier which extends between the two electrodes, up to a height h which may depend on the mobility of the substances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentEP2332004B1Transparent electroactive system

Publication Date: 2017.05.31 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

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Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a transparent electroactive system that includes two electrodes (2, 3) juxtaposed on the same side of a closed space (12) containing electroactive substances. The two electrodes are separated by a distance of less than 250 μm, and a barrier (1) extending towards the inside of the closed space is placed between the electrodes. The separation between the electrodes is thus not visible, and a mutual neutralisation between the electroactive substances is prevented. Advantageously, the electroactive substances are contained in cells (5) separated from each other within the closed space. The barrier (1) can thus be distinct from separation walls (4) between the cells, or can be assimilated with some intercellular walls.