Dimmable Cabin Window Control for Homogeneous Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windows in vehicles lack the ability to dynamically adjust transmissivity to adapt to changing light conditions, leading to operator discomfort and reduced visual acuity, necessitating the use of sun shades, sun visors, and additional measures like sunglasses.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically controlling dimmable window panels using an optical detection unit and control unit to adjust light transmissivity based on illumination levels, allowing real-time adaptation to ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional windows are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the window cannot adapt to changing light conditions, causing operator discomfort and reduced visual acuity
Solution Approach 1:
The window panel transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic electrochromic system that automatically adjusts its light transmissivity properties in response to changing environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The window system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that enable it to automatically detect and respond to light conditions without requiring manual operation, achieving adaptability while minimizing the operational complexity burden on users
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sun shades and sun visors are used, then some protection from light is provided, but these devices cover only partial window areas and require manual adjustment, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic window panel automatically detects light conditions through integrated sensors and adjusts its transmissivity without manual intervention, eliminating the need for users to manually operate shades or visors while providing complete window coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical shade and visor systems with an electrochromic material that changes its optical properties through electrical control, substituting mechanical adjustment with automated electro-optical control for improved ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If dimmable window panels are manually controlled, then light transmissivity can be adjusted, but the system requires constant manual intervention and does not respond dynamically to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The window system incorporates light sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide feedback to the control mechanism, enabling automatic adjustment of the electrochromic material's transmissivity to dynamically adapt to changing light conditions without manual input
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor and control system enables the window to autonomously detect and respond to changing light conditions, achieving dynamic adaptability through self-service operation without requiring manual control intervention
4Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple manual light control devices are used, then comprehensive light management is achieved, but the overall system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate light control functions (detection, control, and transmissivity adjustment) into a single integrated electrochromic window system, reducing the total number of components and thereby decreasing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective light management
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic system replaces multiple mechanical light control devices with a single electronically controlled material that can adjust its optical properties across the entire window surface, reducing system complexity and energy consumption while achieving comprehensive light management
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 provides homogeneous cabin illumination, reduces operator discomfort, and minimizes the need for manual adjustments, thereby reducing energy consumption and air conditioning efforts.
Implementation Method 1
The transmissivity of a dimmable window can be controlled electronically, such as by controlling a voltage or electric field applied to the window
Implementation Method 2
A dimmable window typically changes light transmission properties of the dimmable window when voltage or heat is applied to the window
Implementation Method 3
an optical detection unit for detecting an illumination level inside the cabin
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatically controlling a dimmable window panel, in particular a dimmable window panel of an aircraft cabin and/or spacecraft cabin, the system comprising: a dimmable window panel of a cabin, wherein the dimmable window panel has an adjustable light transmissivity; an optical detection unit for detecting an illumination level inside the cabin; and a control unit, which is operatively coupled to the dimmable window panel and to the optical detection unit, wherein the control unit is configured to automatically adjust the light transmissivity based on the illumination level. Also an aircraft comprising such a system as well as a method for automatically controlling a dimmable window panel.