Electrostatic Latching Stop Bar for Dynamic Insulating Glass Shades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window technologies fail to effectively balance energy efficiency and human comfort, particularly in controlling energy waste and utilizing solar gain, while also providing privacy and aesthetic appeal in insulating glass units.
Innovation Solution
The development of electric, potentially-driven shades for insulating glass units, featuring a conductive layer, dielectric layers, and a flexible shutter that can be extended and retracted using electrostatic forces, integrated with a control circuit to manage radiation transmission and privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If static low-emissivity coatings are used to reduce U-value, then energy insulation is improved, but the ability to dynamically control solar heat gain and privacy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static low-emissivity coating into a dynamic system using electrochromic glass that can change its optical properties. The glass transitions from a transparent state to a colored state based on electrical voltage application, enabling dynamic control of solar heat gain and privacy while maintaining the insulating properties of the low-E coating structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the optical transmission and emissivity parameters of the glass through electrochromic technology. By applying voltage, the glass changes its light transmission parameter from high to low, and its solar heat gain coefficient parameter is dynamically adjusted, while the low-E coating maintains its thermal insulation parameters.
2Loss of energy
If spectrally selective low-E coatings are used to reduce solar heat gain coefficient, then cooling energy loss is reduced, but the ability to provide on-demand privacy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by combining spectrally selective low-E coatings with electrochromic glass that can dynamically adjust its optical properties. The system transitions from a fixed spectral selection to a dynamic control mechanism where the glass can switch between transparent and privacy states while maintaining the spectral selectivity benefits for reducing cooling energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple functions into a single window system: the spectrally selective low-E coating provides passive solar heat rejection, while the electrochromic glass adds active privacy control and dynamic solar gain management. This universal system simultaneously addresses energy efficiency and privacy needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic electrochromic glass is used to provide on-demand privacy and solar control, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the electrochromic layer with the low-E coating structure into an integrated window system. The electrochromic glass is incorporated as part of the insulating glass unit assembly, merging the dynamic control function with the thermal insulation function in a single manufactured product, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the electrochromic glass layer within the insulating glass unit structure. The electrochromic glass is nested between the interior and exterior glass panes, with the low-E coatings applied on specific surfaces, creating a nested multi-layer system that integrates multiple functions without increasing external complexity.
4Loss of energy
If multi-layer insulating glass units are used to improve thermal insulation, then energy efficiency is improved, but the space between panes is reduced limiting shade integration options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using thin-film electrochromic coatings and low-E coatings that can be deposited directly onto the glass surfaces. These thin film technologies enable dynamic and thermal control functions without requiring thick mechanical components, thereby preserving the inter-pane space in the insulating glass unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes another dimension by transitioning from mechanical shade systems that occupy three-dimensional space to thin-film electrochromic and low-E coatings that function in a two-dimensional plane on the glass surface. This dimensional change enables energy efficiency and dynamic control without consuming inter-pane volume.
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
These shades enhance energy efficiency by dynamically controlling radiation transmission, reduce energy waste, and provide on-demand privacy while maintaining a pleasing aesthetic appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a first voltage to the first and second conductive layers to create first electrostatic forces to drive the flexible substrate to the shutter closed position
Implementation Method 2
a second voltage to the electrically conductive portion of the stop to create second electrostatic forces to help electrostatically latch the flexible substrate to the stop
Implementation Method 3
a first dielectric layer provided, directly or indirectly, on the first conductive layer on a side thereof opposite the first substrate; and a second dielectric layer provided, directly or indirectly, on an anchor-facing surface of the stop
Data Source
AI summary
Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer-based layer and a conductive layer. A first voltage is applied to the transparent conductors to cause the shutter to extend to a closed position, and a second voltage is applied to a stop to electrostatically hold the shutter in the closed position. The first and second voltage levels can be reduced once the shutter is extended to the closed position, the reduction to the first voltage level being greater than the reduction to the second voltage level.