Electrochromic Window Antennas for Wireless Tint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic devices lack integrated antenna structures for wireless communication and control, limiting their functionality and efficiency in buildings.
Innovation Solution
Integration of antenna structures, such as strip lines, patch antennas, or fractal structures, with electrochromic devices on windows, along with controllers to manage optical transitions and wireless communication, forming a comprehensive system for controlling tint and transmitting/receiving signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electrochromic devices are implemented as thin layers covering window surfaces, then the device thickness and material usage are reduced, but the integration of antenna structures for wireless communication becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna structure with the electrochromic device by depositing the antenna pattern and ground plane directly onto the same substrate as the electrochromic layers. This integration allows the thin-film electrochromic device to incorporate wireless communication functionality without increasing overall device thickness, resolving the contradiction between device thinness and communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: the glass substrate acts as both the structural window element and the substrate for the electrochromic device, while also serving as the substrate for the antenna structure. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide both electrochromic control and wireless communication within the same thin-profile device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna structures are integrated with electrochromic devices on windows, then wireless communication functionality is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is merged with the electrochromic device by using the same substrate and depositing antenna patterns and ground planes directly onto the window glass or device substrate. This integration approach enables wireless communication functionality without adding separate antenna components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If controllers are integrated to manage both optical transitions and wireless communication, then system functionality is enhanced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a multi-functional unit that manages both the electrochromic optical transitions and the wireless communication antenna operations. By consolidating these control functions into a single controller, the system enhances functionality while avoiding the complexity of separate control systems for each function.
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 efficient wireless communication and control of electrochromic windows, enhancing building functionality by allowing personalized settings and integration with building management systems, while maintaining energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in one or more optical properties when stimulated to a different electronic state. The color, transmittance, absorbance, or reflectance of such electrochromic windows can be changed by inducing a change in the electrochromic material, for example, by applying a voltage across the electrochromic material.
Implementation Method 2
an antenna structure disposed on the first surface or a second surface of the window... Enables efficient wireless communication and control of electrochromic windows, enhancing building functionality by allowing personalized settings and integration with building management systems
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 (ECD) 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.