Electrically Actuated Transmission Film Grid for Low-Haze Smart Glass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophoretic devices struggle to achieve transparent light states with glass-like quality, minimal haze, and minimal perception of hue, as they often result in perceivable tints and geometric forms that are not aesthetically pleasing.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a light attenuator with a polymer structure that defines areas for concentrated charged particles, creating a visible pattern or grid in the transparent state, where the charged particles are maximally concentrated in locations defined by the polymer structure, allowing both attenuating and transparent areas to be resolved by the eye, with dimensions and distances that ensure visibility and minimal integration of color or haze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If charged particles are concentrated in discrete areas to create transparent apertures, then light transmission is improved, but geometric forms become apparent and aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the electrophoretic ink into discrete charged particles that can be independently positioned within the cell. These particles are segmented into concentrated regions (attenuating areas) and dispersed regions (transparent areas), allowing control over light transmission while managing geometric visibility through proper sizing and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the cell. The polymer structure creates localized areas with high particle concentration (attenuating regions) and areas with low or no particle concentration (transparent regions). This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of light transmission in transparent areas and aesthetic quality by controlling the size and distribution of attenuating areas.
2Illumination intensity
If aperture size is increased to improve viewing area, then light transmission improves, but individual apertures become visible and clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for aperture and attenuating area dimensions. The maximum dimension of transparent areas is constrained to 0.1mm or less, while attenuating areas have dimensions of 0.05mm to 0.5mm. These parameter controls ensure that individual features remain below the resolution threshold of human vision, maintaining glass-like clarity while allowing sufficient light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from controlling only the two-dimensional aperture size to also controlling the three-dimensional distribution and concentration of charged particles. By managing particle concentration in volumetric regions rather than just aperture openings, the patent achieves light transmission control without creating visible geometric patterns.
3Illumination intensity
If charged particles are used to attenuate light, then light blocking capability is improved, but perceivable tint is created and glass-like quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses charged particles with uniform optical properties throughout the electrophoretic ink composition. The particles are distributed homogeneously within their concentrated regions, and the polymer structure ensures consistent spacing and arrangement. This homogeneity prevents localized color variations and maintains neutral optical appearance in the transparent state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visible grid pattern that copies or mimics traditional architectural screen designs. Rather than hiding the particle structure, the patent embraces it by designing the attenuating area pattern to resemble intentional aesthetic features, thereby transforming the potential defect of visible geometry into a desirable design element.
4Manufacturing precision
If microstructure size is reduced to be invisible, then clarity is improved, but light transmission area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light transmission function into multiple small transparent areas rather than one large area. Each transparent area is sized at 0.1mm or less to remain invisible, but the collective arrangement of many such areas provides sufficient total light transmission. The polymer structure enables this segmentation by creating a regular pattern of transparent and attenuating regions throughout the cell.
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 solution provides a transparent state with a visible, aesthetically pleasing grid-like structure, reducing diffraction and minimizing the perception of tint or haze, while maintaining high clarity and glass-like quality.
Implementation Method 1
said charged particles are responsive to an electric field applied to said electrodes to move between: a first extreme light state in which particles are maximally spread within said cell to lie in the path of sunlight through the cell attenuating the sunlight and a second extreme light state in which said particles are maximally concentrated within the cell in locations (130, 133, 134) defined by said polymer structure
Data Source
AI summary
A light attenuator that provides transparent light states and absorbing dark states for use in selectively controlling light, especially for smart glass applications. The light attenuator includes abutting areas of attenuation and transparency that form a repeat pattern or a quasi-repeat pattern. The attenuating areas are visible when the light attenuator is in the light state, but the repeat pattern is sufficiently large that a viewer looks through the attenuator and sees no haze.