Adjustable Window Layer for Independent Haze and Transmission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windows, such as those in vehicles, lack the ability to dynamically adjust light transmission and haze levels in response to user input, limiting privacy and visibility options.
Innovation Solution
An electrically adjustable window layer comprising a polymer matrix with embedded guest-host liquid crystal cells and dichroic dye, and liquid crystal cells without dichroic dye, controlled by transparent conductive electrodes to adjust the AC drive signal's amplitude and frequency, allowing for independent adjustment of haze and light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single liquid crystal layer is used to control light transmission, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently adjust haze and transmission is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal layer is segmented into two distinct layers: a first liquid crystal layer containing guest-host liquid crystal cells with dichroic dye for controlling light transmission, and a second liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal cells without dichroic dye for controlling haze. Each layer can be independently controlled through separate electrode structures, enabling independent adjustment of transmission and haze properties without requiring a single complex layer.
2Ease of manufacture
If guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells are interspersed in the same polymer matrix, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the switching characteristics become difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of interspersing different liquid crystal cells in the same polymer matrix, the patent segments them into two separate polymer matrix layers. The first layer contains only guest-host liquid crystal cells with dichroic dye, and the second layer contains only liquid crystal cells without dichroic dye. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring distinct and controllable switching characteristics for each layer, as each layer has uniform cell composition and properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustable layer is made dark to enhance privacy, then privacy is improved, but light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustable layer into two functional segments: a first liquid crystal layer with dichroic dye that controls light transmission (darkening when activated), and a second liquid crystal layer without dichroic dye that controls haze (scattering control). By activating these layers independently or in combination, the system can achieve four distinct modes: clear non-hazy (high transmission), dark non-hazy (low transmission, high privacy), clear hazy (high transmission with scattering), and dark hazy (low transmission with scattering). This segmentation enables privacy control without necessarily sacrificing light transmission, as haze control can be achieved independently of transmission control.
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
Enables multiple operating modes, including dark hazy, clear non-hazy, low-haze low-light-transmittance, and high-haze high-light-transmittance, enhancing privacy and visibility based on user input, while reducing light scattering and gravity-induced mura issues.
Implementation Method 1
The guest-host liquid crystal cells may include a first liquid crystal material and dichroic dye. The polymer matrix material may also include embedded liquid crystal cells having a second liquid crystal material without dichroic dye. The first and second liquid crystal materials may have different properties (e.g., different values of dielectric anisotropy divided by elastic constant) so that the guest-host liquid crystal cells and the liquid crystal cells switch at different threshold voltage levels.
Implementation Method 2
The guest-host liquid crystal cells may include a first liquid crystal material and dichroic dye. By adjusting the amplitude and/or frequency of the AC voltage signal applied to the polymer layer by the electrode layers, the operating mode and optical properties of the adjustable layer can be adjusted (e.g., the haze and transmission of the adjustable layer can be independently adjusted)
Data Source
AI summary
A system such as a vehicle, building, or electronic device system may have a support structure with one or more windows. The support structure and window may separate an interior region within the system from a surrounding exterior region. Control circuitry may receive input such as user input and may adjust an adjustable layer in the window based on the input. The adjustable layer may have a polymer matrix layer with embedded cells. The cells may include intermixed guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells. The guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells may have different liquid crystal materials and/or different sizes that allow the guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells to electrically switch states at different respective threshold voltages. Based on the user input or other input the control circuitry can adjust a drive signal across the adjustable layer to change light transmittance and haze.