Portable Tester and Pigtail Cap for Electrochromic Window Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic windows face challenges in ensuring they arrive at installation sites in a clear state without tinting, addressing damage concerns, and facilitating timely identification and replacement of malfunctioning units during installation, as well as verifying proper installation without information on pre- and post-installation window functionality.
Innovation Solution
A portable tester and pigtail cap system that applies a voltage profile to electrochromic devices to determine current density and status, allowing for verification of window functionality without installed controllers, and a pigtail cap to drain current and protect wiring during transit, ensuring all units start in a clear state and reducing installation complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If electrochromic windows are shipped without current draining measures, then they may arrive in various tint states, but this creates installation delays and requires verification of each unit's state
Solution Approach 1:
The pigtail cap is applied at the factory before shipping to drain current from the electrochromic device and protect the wiring. This preliminary action ensures all windows arrive in a consistent clear state, eliminating the need for on-site verification and reducing installation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The pigtail cap acts as an intermediary device between the electrochromic window and the installation environment. It provides both current draining and physical protection functions, serving as a mediator that prepares the window for installation without requiring additional on-site equipment or procedures.
2Ease of operation
If electrochromic windows are shipped with wiring exposed, then connection is simpler, but wiring becomes susceptible to damage during transit and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The pigtail cap features a flexible molded structure that encloses and protects the exposed wiring and connector. This thin-walled protective shell allows the wiring to remain accessible for connection while shielding it from physical damage during transit and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The pigtail cap provides beforehand protection by enclosing the vulnerable wiring and connector before shipping. This prior cushioning prevents damage during transit, and the cap can be easily removed at installation to access the protected connections.
3Measurement precision
If windows are tested with installed controllers, then full system functionality is verified, but installation complexity increases and timing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The testing function is extracted from the installed controller system and performed independently using a portable tester before installation. This allows verification of window functionality without requiring the full control system to be in place, simplifying the installation process and reducing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
Window functionality is verified in advance using a portable tester that connects to the window's connector before installation. This preliminary testing ensures the window is operational without requiring the installed controller, and results can be recorded for later verification after installation.
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 ensures electrochromic windows arrive in a consistent, functional state, simplifies installation verification, and reduces the need for rework by confirming unit functionality and tint consistency, thereby enhancing installation efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, an apparatus for testing an insulated glass unit is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a port coupled to the housing, where the port is configured to couple with a pigtail of an insulated glass unit. The apparatus includes a battery housed within the housing, where the battery is configured to provide power to an insulated glass unit. The apparatus includes an input interface which is coupled to the housing, where the input interface is configured to receive. The apparatus includes a controller which is housed within the housing and is configured to receive the input from the input interface, send commands to an insulated glass unit, and receive data from the insulated glass unit. The apparatus also includes one or more indicators coupled with the housing, where the one or more indicators are configured to indicate a status of the insulated glass unit.