WINDOW SYSTEM AND METHOD UTILIZING A WINDOW GLASS ASSEMBLY AND LOCKING SYSTEM FOR EASY INSERTION OF A WINDOW GLASS ASSEMBLY WITH ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLABLE SCALABLE APERTURE FOR ATTENUATING OR OTHERWISE MODULATING LIGHT TRANSMISSION THROUGH THE WINDOW GLASS ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present invention is a window glass assembly system and method utilizing locking locking systems for easy insertion of a second window glass and electrokinetic strips or films on these window glass. These electrokinetic strips and films have the ability to do many things on the window glass, such as changing the opacity of the window, allowing a certain level of light through the window, etc. The use of this technology can create more opportunities for creating advertisements on the window surface, energy storage, building thermal management, and repelling solar energy for energy savings. Electrokinetic films can be used during window glass retrofits, and electrokinetic strips and films can be incorporated into new window glass. With the ability of electrokinetic devices to transmit a certain level of light, window glass has the potential for many more technological advances. A matrix of dense apertures with scalable shutters can be incorporated to attenuate the light transmission rate through the window glass assembly.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to window systems and associated electrokinetic devices.

[0002] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 679,605, filed February 24, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Described herein are applications of electrokinetic devices for imaging systems, including dynamic microshutters and, more generally, for use in window systems utilizing a single window glass and a locking system to facilitate insertion of a second glass window.

[0004] By using these electrokinetic devices in imaging systems, the window glass has the ability to change opacity, reducing the amount of sunlight entering the building. Micro-shutters on these electrokinetic devices allow the user to select the amount of sunlight that is allowed through the window glass.

[0005] Traditionally, window glass has been used to let warm light into buildings and provide comfortable views for people inside the building. However, as buildings become larger and denser, energy efficiency becomes more important, and the impact on the global environment becomes more important, energy reduction is becoming more important than ever.

[0006] The point is, when it is cold outside, warm light is welcomed inside the building. However, when it is warm outside, air conditioning is used to cool the interior space of the building. In this case, it is desirable to reduce the amount of light energy that creates heat inside the building, per minute and per square foot, based on geographic latitude, weather conditions, time of day, season, sun angle, and building occupancy and use. In other words, if a building operator is air conditioning a room and the occupant of that room does not want to look out the window (e.g., concentrated on a computer screen or other media), why not attenuate the amount of solar radiation that passes through the window glazing assembly to cool the room and reduce air conditioning use?

[0007] There is a need to control the window assemblies electronically through a "plug and play" system where the various window assemblies interface with each other with local overrides and thermostats, and the system and network control capabilities allow building users, tenants and owners to manage the temperature response of the building when faced with heat generating solar radiation that is absorbed by the building. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention is a window system utilizing a single pane and locking system that allows for easy insertion of electrokinetic (EK) devices such as a second pane window and a scalable aperture. The present invention incorporates electrokinetic devices configured as dynamic microshutters and / or dynamic infrared (IR) filters for imaging systems, and a window system that allows for easy insertion of a second pane window during new construction or renovation to add electrokinetic strips or films.

[0009] In one embodiment, the electrokinetic device is configured as a dynamic micro-shutter and / or filter, e.g., of a mobile device, to selectively transmit electromagnetic radiation through a micro-shutter of an imaging assembly when the dynamic micro-shutter is in a first operational state and to prevent electromagnetic radiation from reaching the imaging assembly when the dynamic micro-shutter is in a second operational state. The electrokinetic device includes transparent first and second substrates and a compression trench surrounding a lens of the imaging assembly. The compression trench stores a pigment when the dynamic micro-shutter is in the first operational state. In the second operational state, the pigment is dispersed in a carrier fluid between the first and second substrates.

[0010] The present invention is a window system that allows for the easy insertion of a second rigid substrate using materials such as glass or acrylic, which can be installed during new construction or retrofitting of existing curtain walls in commercial building infrastructure or residential environments. The window frame that houses the first single pane will have a locking system that securely holds the second pane to form a double-glazed window. The locking system allows for the replacement of a new second pane window as a better technique to allow for window tinting and coating.

[0011] The present invention utilizes electrokinetic strips and films in both the frame and the insert, as well as locking mechanisms. The present invention can also incorporate a system of placing a transparent insert on the window frame, such as by strategically placing electrical conductors between the glass to allow electricity to be conducted within that space. The present invention can also incorporate an inner layer of a double glazing system that can include an electrokinetic device and dynamic dimming capabilities.

[0012] In another embodiment, electrokinetic strips and films can be used to create visual displays that let in specific levels of light to create images. The conductive material of the window surface can also be used as an antenna to both receive and transmit radio frequency (RF) energy. Electrokinetic strips and films can also be used to create direct current (DC) storage capacitors that store energy as an electric field. Window surface strips and films can be used to create light sources or light filters and can also have the ability to change color and create walls of any hue. These window surfaces can be used to create energy and heat barriers as well as audio transducers used as microphones or speakers.

[0013] In another embodiment, existing windows can be retrofitted with mechanical interfaces. Additional elements may be added to these window surfaces. The surfaces can incorporate mesh network capabilities and near field communication, possibly including decentralized blockchain elements.

[0014] In another embodiment, each panel is assigned an electronic serial number to facilitate communication with the window surface. The window surface can be used as a computer interface and a radiation blocking interface. The window surface can be used as a display or outdoor advertising screen.

[0015] In another embodiment, the present invention can incorporate the Internet of Things (IoT) incorporating sensors, processing power, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communication networks. Electrokinetic films and strips can also be used with the IoT for glass. The glass can be used as a mesh network with antennas to receive and transmit data, or as a peer-to-peer (P2P) or cellular network.

[0016] In another embodiment, the invention can incorporate a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera or pixelated light sensor mounted on the glass that can convert light input into an electronic signal. This also allows glass to glass communication. Using a microprocessor with memory and software / firmware, the glass can have Al functionality. Pixels created on the window surface can turn a building into an advertising medium. The glass can be used as a receiver, transmitter, thermometer, microphone, microcontroller affixed to each glass panel or glass insert. Electrokinetic devices can be used for edge lighting or with luminance. Audio transducers can also be built into the glass, which can be used for noise cancellation or sound blocking. Also, integration with solar panels is possible.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, scalable apertures are printed on a thin film that is placed on the surface area of ​​the window glass, which can be retrofitted to new buildings or snapped into existing buildings. Each scalable aperture is controlled by a CPU that responds to software control from the cloud or from localized devices within the building, in a specific room within the building, or locally to a single pane of glass. Each pane can form a mesh network, whereby the panes all communicate with each other and integrate with the building's HVAC system or other building control systems. Scalable aperture window systems are "plug and play" capable, each with its own unique ESN (electronic serial number), so that the glass can locally accommodate desired characteristics. Each window subassembly may have its own CPU with status and monitoring capabilities, so that if the ambient temperature in the occupied space is rising too quickly despite increased air conditioning, the window can be scaled (via the scalable aperture) to allow less light to enter the building (either by reflecting radiation away from the building or absorbing it outside the building).

[0018] As part of a window assembly, the electrokinetic film can incorporate a matrix of dense apertures with scalable shutters to attenuate the transmission of light through the window glass assembly, similar to the shutter apertures in a miniature camera.

[0019] In another embodiment, the reflectance of the building facade can be adjusted to allow the window assemblies to be used like pixels in an outdoor display to display different messages, such as advertisements.

[0020] It is also a primary feature of the invention to balance the user experience within the building to maintain the views that tenants pay rent for, and to "stage" the light attenuation, taking into account the reality that the sun has a more detrimental effect at certain times of the day at various latitudes, to reflect the building's usage patterns and desirability as well as energy budgets and greenhouse gas effects through control and monitoring sequences that learn by "machine learning" or so-called artificial intelligence.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the appended claims.

[0022] Various embodiments are shown by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] An exploded view of the SmartTint Strip window insert. [Diagram 2] Exploded view of the SmartTint film window insert. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the electronics carrier assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an electronic device carrier assembly and frame modifications to receive it. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an electronics carrier assembly with a completed EK glazing assembly and frame assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an electronics carrier assembly, glazing assembly and frame assembly without EK. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the electronics carrier assembly, EK glazing assembly, and frame assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the electronics carrier assembly, EK glazing and frame assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the electronics carrier assembly, EK strip, glazing and frame assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the glazing and frame assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the insert electronics carrier assembly, EK glazing assembly, and frame assembly. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the glazing and frame assembly. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the EK assembly. [Figure 14A] 1A-1C illustrate various configurations of an electronics carrier assembly, a glazing bead, and a frame. [Figure 14B] 1A-1C illustrate various configurations of an electronics carrier assembly, a glazing bead, and a frame. [Figure 14C] 1A-1C illustrate various configurations of an electronics carrier assembly, a glazing bead, and a frame. [Figure 14D] 1A-1C illustrate various configurations of an electronics carrier assembly, a glazing bead, and a frame. [Figure 14E]1A-1C illustrate various configurations of an electronics carrier assembly, a glazing bead, and a frame. [Figure 15A] 11 is an image showing various view configurations of a window insert. [Figure 15B] 11 is an image showing various view configurations of a window insert. [Figure 15C] 11 is an image showing various view configurations of a window insert. [Figure 15D] 11 is an image showing various view configurations of a window insert. [Figure 15E] 11 is an image showing various view configurations of a window insert. [Figure 15F] 11 is an image showing various view configurations of a window insert. [Figure 15G] 11 is an image showing various view configurations of a window insert. [Figure 16A] 1A-1D show in detail various applications of the present invention; [Figure 16B] 1A-1D show in detail various applications of the present invention; [Figure 16C] 1A-1D show various applications of the present invention in detail. [Figure 16D] 1A-1D show in detail various applications of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the SmartTint Strip Window Insert. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the SmartTint Strip Window Insert includes a window frame made up of a rigid frame element and a flexible frame edge bead. Within the frame are an opaque film, a glazing layer, and a glazing tape. The glazing layer is sealed by a glazing bead frame element, which also seals the EK strip. The EK strip is connected to the EK wires, PCA, battery, PFC and sensor array, electronics carrier, and solar panel.

[0025] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the SmartTint film window insert. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the SmartTint film window insert includes a window frame made up of a rigid frame element and a flexible frame edge bead. Within the frame is a glazing layer and glazing tape. The glazing layer is sealed by a glazing bead frame element, which also seals the EK film. The EK film is connected to the PCA, battery, PFC and sensor array, electronics carrier, and solar panel.

[0026] 3 is an exploded view of the electronics carrier assembly. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronics carrier is composed of a battery, a PCA, and a PFC with a sensor array. The outer layer of the electronics carrier is composed of a solar panel.

[0027] 4 is an exploded view of the electronics carrier assembly and the frame modifications to accommodate it. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the window frame must be modified along its edges to fit and accommodate the electronics carrier assembly.

[0028] 5 is an exploded view of the completed EK glazing assembly and electronics carrier assembly with frame assembly. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the EK glazing assembly is inserted into a window frame and then the electronics carrier assembly is inserted into the modified portion of the window frame.

[0029] 6 is an exploded view of an EK-free electronics carrier assembly, glazing assembly, and frame assembly. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the window frame is comprised of a frame element and a flexible frame edge weather strip. Within the frame is a glazing layer and a glazing tape. The glazing layer is sealed by a glazing bead element, which also seals the PCA, battery, PFC, electronics carrier, and solar panel.

[0030] 7 is an exploded view of the electronics carrier assembly, EK glazing assembly, and frame assembly. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the window frame consists of a frame element and a flexible frame edge weatherstrip. Within the frame is an EK glazing assembly and glazing tape. The glazing layer is sealed by a glazing bead element, which also seals the PCA, battery, PFC, electronics carrier, and solar panel.

[0031] 8 is an exploded view of the electronics carrier assembly, EK, glazing and frame assembly. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the window frame consists of a frame element and a flexible frame edge weather strip. Within the frame is a glazing layer and a glazing tape. The glazing layer is sealed by a glazing bead element, which also seals the EK assembly, PCA, battery, PFC, electronics carrier and solar panel.

[0032] 9 is an exploded view of the electronics carrier assembly, EK strip, glazing and frame assembly. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the window frame is comprised of a frame element and a flexible frame edge weatherstrip. Within the frame is a glazing layer and a glazing tape. The glazing layer is sealed by a glazing bead element, which also seals the EK strip, PCA, battery, PFC, electronics carrier and solar panel.

[0033] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the glazing and frame assembly. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the window frame consists of a rigid frame element and a flexible frame edge bead. Within the frame there is a glazing layer and a glazing tape, which are sealed by a glazing bead element.

[0034] 11 is an exploded view of the insert electronics carrier assembly, the EK glazing assembly, and the frame assembly. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the window frame is comprised of a rigid frame element, a flexible frame edge bead, and a frame assembly. The frame assembly holds the EK glazing assembly and the electronics carrier assembly.

[0035] 12 is an exploded view of a glazing and frame assembly. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the window frame consists of a rigid frame element and a flexible frame edge bead. The glazing layer and glazing tape are sealed within the frame, and the glazing bead element seals the glazing layer to the frame.

[0036] 13 is an exploded view of the EK assembly. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the glazing layer has an opaque seam cover on one side and an EK strip covering the other side. The EK strip is connected to the EK wires and the FPC with the sensor array.

[0037] 14A-E are diagrams showing various configurations of electronics carrier assembly, glazing bead, and frame. FIG. 14A shows the individual components as electronics carrier assembly, glazing bead, and frame, which consist of EK film, wire, glazing layer, PFC with sensor array, and flexible seal. FIG. 14B shows the glazing bead connected to the frame component. FIG. 14C shows the electronics carrier inserted into the frame component and connected to the glazing bead. FIG. 14D shows the electronics carrier assembly separated from the frame component and glazing bead. FIG. 14E shows the electronics carrier assembly inserted into the frame component and connected to the glazing bead.

[0038] Figures 15A-G are images showing various view configurations of the window insert. Figure 15A is a view of the insert from the outside. Figure 15B is a side view of the window insert and the location of the flexible frame members. Figure 15C is a view of the insert from the inside. Figure 15D is a perspective view of the insert from the outside. Figure 15E is a perspective view of the insert from the inside. Figure 15F is a perspective view of the insert and EK strip from the inside. Figure 15G is a perspective view of the insert and EK strip from the outside.

[0039] Figures 16A-D detail various applications of the present invention: Figure 16A shows that EK devices can be applied as control systems, electrokinetic films, electrokinetic inks, fluids or stains, insulating glass unit (IGU) assemblies for windows, functionality, and other applications.

[0040] FIG. 16B details various aspects of the control system of the EK device. The control system enables device operation of the EK device. The control system device operation also includes damping response improvement and pulse train design. The power of the control system is provided from an energy source that is provided from a battery, which may be a primary power source, and a secondary power source, which may be Lithium-Ion or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH). The control system also includes a user interface. The control system functions autonomously and includes autonomous device setup, machine learning, user overrides, external and integrated sensing systems. The control system can be connected to a building interface that can accommodate both mechanical connections to the building and electrical connections to the system. The control system operates by connecting to communication interfaces to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and other windows; Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem radio frequency (RF) standards, data exchange, and cybersecurity; secure firmware updates; and internal sensor interfaces. The control system also controls failure modes, including fail-to-safe conditions and redundancy.

[0041] FIG. 16C details various aspects of the functionality of the EK device. Window functions of the EK device include privacy, light control (which can be user or environmentally controlled), energy control, impact-resistant safety glass, sound reduction, anti-eavesdropping, aesthetic and window covering, and thermal insulation. Communication functions can consist of display surfaces that have multi-window pixelation and can be multi-state windows, which can be applied to signs as well as windows. This function can also incorporate various window functions. This function can also incorporate light blocking with polarizing filters, including car window glass. This function can utilize power for defrosting, dust removal, and energy harvesting. This function can consist of radiation shields (including RF blocking and actuated RF shutters) and environmental sensing systems (with feedback to the grid for energy control).

[0042] FIG. 16D details other applications, such as the shutter function of the EK device, including display surfaces such as reflective displays (segmentation and pixelation) and transmissive displays (segmentation and pixelation), wireless communications, PC cases, laser room isolation, appliance surfaces, Eskin, and aquarium applications.

[0043] While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Similarly, various figures may depict example architectures or other configurations of the disclosed technology, which are intended to aid in understanding features and functionality that may be included in the disclosed technology. The disclosed technology is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, and the desired features may be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical divisions and configurations may be implemented to implement the desired features of the technology disclosed herein. Also, many different configuration module names other than those illustrated herein may be applied to the various partitions. Furthermore, with respect to flow diagrams, operational descriptions, and method claims, unless the context dictates otherwise, the order in which steps are presented herein does not mandate that the various embodiments be implemented to perform the described functions in the same order.

[0044] Although the disclosed technology has been described above in terms of various exemplary implementations and implementations, it should be understood that various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more of the individual implementations are not limited in their application to the particular implementation described, and whether or not such features are presented as part of a described embodiment, may be applied alone or in various combinations to one or more other embodiments of the disclosed technology. Thus, the breadth and scope of the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0045] Terms and phrases used herein, and variations thereof, unless otherwise indicated, should be construed as open ended rather than limiting. For example, the term "including" should be construed as meaning "including, but not limited to," the term "examples" is used to provide illustrative instances of the items under discussion, not as an exhaustive or exclusive list thereof, the term "a" or "an" should be construed as meaning "at least one," "one or more," and adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "standard," "standard," "known," and words of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the items described to a particular time period or as items available at a particular time, but instead as encompassing conventional, traditional, and standard technology that may be available or known at any time now or in the future. Similarly, when this specification refers to technology that is obvious or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technology encompasses technology that is obvious or known to one of ordinary skill in the art at any time now or in the future.

Claims

1. A device comprising an electrokinetic device, The electrokinetic device comprises: An electrode; a dielectric layer disposed adjacent to the electrode; a carrier fluid disposed along the electrodes and the dielectric layer; a compression trench configured to contain a pigment while the electrokinetic device is operating in a first operating state; and the device further comprises: an imaging assembly disposed adjacent to the electrokinetic device and allowing electromagnetic radiation to pass through at least a portion of the electrodes; device.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a color filter disposed within the electrokinetic device.

3. The device of claim 2 , further comprising a dynamic infrared filter disposed with the color filter, the dynamic infrared filter comprising a second electrokinetic device.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pigment comprises a first type of pigment configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation at least in the infrared spectrum.

5. A communications device comprising: an imaging assembly having a lens that directs light to an imaging sensor; and an electrokinetic device configured to facilitate preventing electromagnetic radiation from passing through the lens of the imaging assembly and reaching the lens of the imaging assembly.

6. The communication device of claim 5 , wherein the communication device is a smartphone.

7. The communication device of claim 5 , wherein the mobile device is one of a laptop, a touchpad, a monitor, a webcam, or a camera.

8. The communications device of claim 5 , wherein the imaging assembly includes a dynamic lens cover that, when in the second operational state, is the same color as a case in which the communications device is contained.

9. The communication device of claim 5 , wherein the dynamic lens cover is configurable to match a color of a case in which the communication device is contained when in the second operational state.

10. The communication device of claim 5 , wherein the electrokinetic device is configured to act as a dynamic filter to filter out specific wavelengths of light.

11. 6. The communication device of claim 5, wherein the electrokinetic device includes transparent first and second substrates and a plurality of compression trenches, each of the respective compression trenches being in a first operational state and having a pigment suspended in a carrier fluid between the substrates.

12. 1. A method of operating an imaging assembly of a mobile device, comprising: The method includes configuring an electrokinetic device mounted as a dynamic lens cover for a lens of the imaging device to operate in a first operating state that enables electromagnetic radiation to be transmitted through the lens of the imaging assembly to the imaging assembly.

13. The method of claim 12 , further comprising a color filter disposed within the electrokinetic device.

14. The method of claim 12 , further comprising a dynamic infrared filter disposed with the color filter, the dynamic infrared filter comprising a second electrokinetic device.

15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the pigment comprises a first type of pigment configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation at least in the infrared spectrum.

16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the imaging assembly includes a dynamic lens cover that, when in the second operational state, is the same color as a case in which the communications device is contained.

17. The method of claim 5 , wherein the dynamic lens cover is configurable to match a color of a case in which the communications device is contained.

18. The method of claim 5 , wherein the electrokinetic device is configured to act as a dynamic filter that filters out specific wavelengths of light.

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