Electrochromic Window Privacy with Diffuse Edge Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electro-optic elements used in partition assemblies can exhibit specular reflective qualities, leading to distracting mirror-like images in work environments, especially when in a darkened or dimmed state, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A partition assembly incorporating a light transmitting sheet with edge-mounted light sources that emit diffuse light to overpower specular reflections, featuring a control system to adjust illumination based on the electro-optic element's transmissivity and ambient conditions, ensuring the light intensity and color match the surrounding environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electro-optic element is in a dimmed condition to provide privacy, then privacy is improved, but specular reflectivity increases causing distracting mirror-like images

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprivacyVSAvoidspecular reflectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful specular reflection into a beneficial diffuse reflection by placing a light-transmitting sheet in front of the electro-optic element. When the electro-optic element is dimmed, the light-transmitting sheet diffuses the reflected light, transforming the distracting mirror-like images into a soft, non-distracting glow that maintains privacy while eliminating visual discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-transmitting sheet serves as an intermediary element between the electro-optic element and the external environment. This mediator diffuses the light and reduces specular reflectivity, allowing the electro-optic element to maintain its privacy function while the intermediary handles the harmful reflection issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If the electro-optic element is in a transmissive condition to allow visibility, then visibility is improved, but privacy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidprivacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control by allowing the electro-optic element to switch between transmissive and dimmed conditions based on privacy requirements. The light-transmitting sheet dynamically adjusts its light diffusion properties in response to the electro-optic element's state, providing visibility when needed and privacy when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-generated harmful factors

If light sources are added to the cover assembly to reduce reflections, then specular reflectivity is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecular reflectivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic anti-reflection systems with a simple light-transmitting sheet that passively diffuses light. This substitution eliminates the need for complex active control systems while achieving the same goal of reducing specular reflections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively reduces perceivable specular reflectivity to less than 10% R, providing a more pleasant and non-distracting work environment by matching the lighting to the electro-optic element's state and ambient conditions, while allowing for flexible use as a whiteboard or divider.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light sources disposed at edges of the light transmitting sheet to emit light into the light transmitting sheet to illuminate the light transmitting sheet with a diffuse light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffuse light emission: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The electro-optic element operates between a transmissive condition and a dimmed condition with a surface of the electro-optic element exhibiting a first level of spectral reflectivity at least when in the dimmed condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS9857657B2Electrochromic whiteboard privacy window or divider

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

A partition assembly includes a rigid support frame and a first transparent pane in abutting contact with an inner surface of the frame. The first transparent pane includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The assembly further includes an electro-optic element received within the frame and positioned adjacent the interior surface of the first transparent pane. The electro-optic element operates between a transmissive condition and a dimmed condition with a surface of the electro-optic element exhibiting a first level of spectral reflectivity at least when in the dimmed condition. A cover assembly is received within the frame and is positioned opposite the electro-optic element from the first transparent pane. The cover assembly includes a light transmitting sheet and a plurality of light sources disposed at edges of the light transmitting sheet.