Electrochromic Window Antennas for RF Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic windows lack integrated solutions for controlling radio frequency signals and monitoring assets within buildings, limiting their functionality in terms of communication and asset tracking.
Innovation Solution
The integration of antennas and controllers into electrochromic windows allows for the emission and reception of radio frequency signals, enabling directional control and asset monitoring by determining the location of devices across virtual boundaries, and also facilitates wireless power delivery to these devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antennas and controllers are integrated into electrochromic windows, then communication and asset tracking functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates antennas and controllers directly into the electrochromic window structure, combining multiple functions (electrochromic control, RF signal emission, asset tracking) into a single unified device. This merging approach enables the window to serve both as a controllable optical device and as a communication/monitoring node without requiring separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic window is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it controls light transmission through electrochromic material while also emitting RF signals for asset tracking and communication. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate systems, thereby enhancing versatility despite increased internal complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are disposed on window surfaces, then directional RF signal control and asset monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple discrete antennas disposed at different locations on the window surface, with each antenna independently controllable for emitting RF signals. This segmentation allows the system to determine asset location by analyzing signals from multiple points, improving measurement precision through spatial distribution of sensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the two-dimensional surface of the window to position multiple antennas at different spatial coordinates. By distributing antennas across the window surface rather than using a single antenna, the system adds spatial dimensionality to RF signal emission, enabling more accurate asset location determination through triangulation or signal strength analysis from multiple positions.
3Power
If controller independently controls phase and frequency of RF signals, then directionality and gain of emitted signals is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the phase and frequency of RF signals emitted by different antennas based on real-time requirements for directionality and gain. This dynamic control allows the system to adaptively steer RF beams and optimize signal strength in different directions, achieving high directional control capability through real-time parameter modulation rather than fixed hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves directional control and signal gain adjustment by changing the electrical parameters (phase and frequency) of the RF signals emitted by multiple antennas. By independently varying these parameters for each antenna, the controller can constructively or destructively interfere signals to create directional beams, achieving high directional precision through parameter modulation rather than mechanical steering.
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
This integration enhances the functionality of electrochromic windows by providing directional RF signal control and asset tracking capabilities while enabling wireless power delivery, improving communication and energy management within buildings.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of antennas disposed on one or more of the surfaces of the lites, where the antennas are configured to emit radio frequency (RF) signals
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an apparatus is described that includes a transparent pane having a first surface and a second surface. An electrochromic device is arranged over the second surface that includes a first conductive layer adjacent the second surface, a second conductive layer, and an electrochromic layer between the first and the second conductive layers. The apparatus further includes at least one conductive antenna structure arranged over the second surface.