Electrophoretic Smart Glass with Pixelated Electrodes for Directional Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart glass technologies with electrochromic elements can only switch between transparent and light-shielding states, failing to effectively control light transmission across the entire surface or maintain visibility in specific directions, leading to inadequate light-shielding and visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A light-modulating element comprising a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate, first and second transparent electrodes, light transmissive regions, and an electrophoretic member with light-shielding particles, allowing for four operation modes: low-density entire surface light-shielding, high-density entire surface light-shielding, narrow viewing field, and wide viewing field, by controlling the dispersion of electrophoretic particles with an electric field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrochromic elements are used to switch between transparent and light-shielding states, then light-shielding function is improved, but control over light transmission in specific directions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light-modulating element into multiple independent pixel regions, each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows different regions to display different light transmission states (transparent or light-shielding) simultaneously, enabling directional control while maintaining overall light-shielding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electrophoretic particles that can dynamically change their distribution state in response to applied electric fields. By controlling the voltage applied to each pixel region, the system can dynamically switch between transparent and light-shielding states, and also achieve intermediate states for partial light shielding in specific directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light transmissive regions are formed with high aspect ratio, then viewing field control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical structures with electric field control. Instead of using physical barriers or moving parts to control viewing fields, the system uses voltage application to electrophoretic particles to achieve the same effect, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining viewing field control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electrophoretic particles serve multiple functions: they control light transmission, define viewing fields, and enable directional light shielding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrophoretic particles are dispersed throughout the medium, then wide viewing field is achieved, but light-shielding performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the dynamic response of electrophoretic particles to electric fields to achieve both wide viewing field and effective light-shielding. When voltage is applied, particles migrate to specific regions to provide light-shielding; when voltage is removed or reversed, particles disperse to enable wide viewing field. This dynamic control allows the system to achieve both states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different electric field conditions to different pixel regions, creating local variations in particle distribution. This allows some regions to maintain dispersed particles for wide viewing field while other regions have concentrated particles for light-shielding, achieving both functions within the same device.
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 solution enables precise control of light transmission and shielding across the entire surface or specific directions, enhancing energy efficiency and visibility while maintaining a wide viewing field or achieving complete light-shielding as needed.
Implementation Method 1
an electrophoretic member 50 containing light-shielding electrophoretic particles 51 disposed in an air gap 55 formed between each of the second transparent electrodes 32, each of the third transparent electrodes 33, and each of the light transmissive regions 40
Data Source
AI summary
A light-modulating element comprises: first and second transparent substrates arranged in opposition to one another; a first transparent electrode arranged on the opposition surface of the first transparent substrate; a plurality of light transmissive regions arranged between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent substrate so as to be separated from one another; a plurality of second transparent electrodes arranged at respective positions on the second transparent substrate opposing the respective light transmissive regions, and that are arranged so as to be separated by a given distance from the respective light transmissive regions; a plurality of third transparent electrodes arranged individually between the second transparent electrodes at a predetermined distance therefrom on the second transparent substrate side; and an electrophoretic member arranged within a gap formed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, and that includes light-shielding electrophoretic particles.