Electronic Window Using Polarizing Devices for Safety and Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic windows containing liquid crystal or chemical materials face safety concerns due to breakable glass substrates and temperature-dependent response speeds, leading to slower switching times between ON/OFF states.
Innovation Solution
An electronic window design utilizing two polarizing devices, each comprising a conductive layer, an electro-optic crystal layer, and an optical material layer, which control light flux by converting and transmitting polarized light to achieve ON/OFF states without liquid crystals or chemicals, ensuring safety and high switching speed regardless of temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid crystal or chemical materials are used in electronic windows, then the window can achieve ON/OFF control, but safety concerns arise due to breakable glass substrates and potential toxic material leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes liquid crystal and chemical materials from the electronic window system entirely. Instead, it uses pure optical components (polarizing devices, electro-optic crystals, optical materials) that control light transmission through physical optical properties rather than chemical phase changes, eliminating the source of toxic leaks while maintaining ON/OFF functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fragile glass substrates containing toxic materials with a structure using optically transparent materials that are safer and environmentally friendly. The design prioritizes safety over using traditional durable but hazardous glass-liquid crystal combinations
2Productivity
If liquid crystal materials are used in electronic windows, then ON/OFF control is achieved, but switching speed decreases due to temperature-dependent response times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the molecular reorientation mechanism of liquid crystals with an electro-optic effect in crystals. This substitution changes the control mechanism from temperature-sensitive molecular motion to electric field-induced optical property changes, resulting in faster and temperature-independent switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from temperature-dependent liquid crystal phase transitions to electric field-controlled electro-optic effects. This parameter change eliminates temperature dependency and enables consistent high-speed switching across varying environmental conditions
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 enhances safety by eliminating toxic material leaks and maintains high switching speed across temperature variations, eliminating the need for hazardous materials and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first electro-optic crystal layer 23 is configured to convert an incident light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light under the first voltage
Implementation Method 2
The first electro-optic crystal layer 23 is configured to convert an incident light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light under the first voltage
Implementation Method 3
The first optical material layer 24 is configured to refract the first polarized light and emit the refracted first polarized light
Implementation Method 4
the first polarizing device 2 and the second polarizing device 3, the polarization direction of the first polarized light is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the second polarizing device 3
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
An electronic window and a control method of the same are provided. The electronic window comprises: a base substrate (1) and a first polarizing device (2) and a second polarizing device (3) disposed on the same side or on different sides of the base substrate (1); in an OFF state, the first polarizing device (2) is configured to convert an incident light into a first polarized light and emitting the first polarized light, a polarization direction of the first polarized light is perpendicular to a polarization direction of the second polarizing device (3), and the second polarizing device (3) is configured to prevent the first polarized light from emitting; and in an ON state, the first polarizing device (2) is configured to transmit the incident light, the second polarizing device (3) is configured to transmit the incident light or to convert the incident light into a third polarized light and emit the third polarized light, a polarization direction of the third polarized light is the same as a polarization direction of the second polarizing device (3). Safety of the electronic window is improved and a higher switching speed between the ON/OFF states of the electronic window at a lower temperature can be achieved.