Self-Powered Dimmable Windows for Aircraft Retrofitting
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Summary
Problems
The integration of electrically dimmable windows in aircraft increases electrical power demands and requires costly and impractical wiring for installation and control, especially for retrofitting existing aircraft.
Innovation solutions
A self-powered dimmable window system with integrated controls that utilizes energy harvesting devices to convert thermal gradients, light, or motion into electrical power, eliminating the need for external wiring through a controller module with a processor, power conditioning circuits, and energy storage, allowing for wireless control.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If electrically dimmable windows are integrated into aircraft, then window functionality is improved, but wiring complexity and installation cost increase
Why choose this principle:
The system divides the aircraft window control into independent modular units, where each window assembly includes its own power conditioning circuitry and control electronics integrated into the window frame, eliminating the need for centralized wiring and allowing independent installation of each window module
Principle concept:
If electrically dimmable windows are integrated into aircraft, then window functionality is improved, but wiring complexity and installation cost increase
Why choose this principle:
The patent extracts the power conditioning and control functions from the central aircraft electrical system and relocates them to self-contained units integrated with each window assembly, thereby removing the complex wiring network while preserving full window functionality
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
A self-powered dimmable window system with integrated controls that utilizes energy harvesting devices to convert thermal gradients, light, or motion into electrical power, eliminating the need for external wiring through a controller module with a processor, power conditioning circuits, and energy storage, allowing for wireless control.
Abstract
An electrically controlled dimmable window for aircraft includes a controller and power that eliminates the need for wiring connections to on-board systems. The controller is integrated into the sidewall in which the window is mounted. Power for controlling the window is derived from an energy harvesting device that generates power by converting thermal gradients, motion/vibration or light energy present near the window. The integrated controller includes passenger controls for adjusting the opacity of the window, power conditioning circuitry, an electrical power storage device such as a battery, a processor and a radio receiver. The window can be remotely controlled by a cabin attendant from a central controller that transmits window control signals to the radio receiver.