Patent ID: 7826124

Claim:
A method for producing a flexible electrochromic panel, comprising the steps of: (a) depositing a working electrochromic polymer film layer comprising insoluble polymer chains of an organic material exhibiting electrochromic properties on a first flexible polymer substrate using electrochemical polymerization, the working electrochromic polymer film layer being selected for its ability to repetitively change between at least: (i) a first state in which the working electrochromic polymer film layer exhibits a first transmittance characteristic; and (ii) a second state in which the working electrochromic polymer film layer exhibits a second transmittance characteristic, where the first and second transmittance characteristics are substantially different, as a result of the working electrochromic film undergoing a redox process; (b) depositing an ion storage film on a second flexible polymer substrate, the ion storage film chemically interacting with the working electrochromic polymer film layer during the redox process, wherein the first and the second flexible polymer substrates are selected for a characteristic flexibility that enables them to be readily bent in an arc; (c) coupling the first and the second flexible polymer substrates together with a film sealant such that the film sealant is disposed between the working electrochromic polymer film layer deposited on the first flexible polymer substrate and the ion storage film deposited on the second flexible polymer substrate, the film sealant being configured to space the working electrochromic polymer film layer apart from the ion storage film and defining a patterned opening and an inlet port in fluid communication with the opening, wherein the opening is disposed between the working electrochromic polymer film layer and the ion storage film, and wherein the opening has a larger volume than the inlet port; (d) introducing an electrolyte into the opening defined by the film sealant; and (e) sealing the flexible electrochromic panel to exclude moisture and oxygen, and to maintain the electrolyte within the opening, the flexible electrochromic panel being capable of being bent in a substantial curve without experiencing damage.