Electrostatic IG Unit Shade for Dynamic Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window technologies fail to efficiently balance energy efficiency and human comfort, particularly in insulating glass units, leading to excessive heating and cooling costs and inefficient use of daylight, while also lacking dynamic control over insulation and privacy.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrically controllable shades with conductive and dielectric layers on insulating glass units, allowing for dynamic extension and retraction to control radiation transmission and provide privacy, using electrostatic forces driven by a power source for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If static low-emissivity coatings are used to improve insulation, then energy efficiency is improved, but dynamic control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shade structure movable and controllable. The polymer substrate is designed to be extendible and retractable, allowing the shade to dynamically adjust between different positions (retracted, partially extended, fully extended) to control radiation transmission. This transforms a static insulation solution into a dynamic system that can adapt to different environmental conditions and user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the cyclic extension and retraction of the shade. The shade can be repeatedly extended to block radiation when needed and retracted to allow radiation transmission, creating a periodic control pattern that optimizes energy efficiency based on varying conditions throughout the day or season.
2Illumination intensity
If architectural windows are increased to provide natural light and connection, then human comfort is improved, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shade provides dynamic control over light transmission by adjusting its extension state. When fully retracted, it allows maximum natural light to enter while maintaining the insulating properties of the IG unit. When extended, it selectively blocks radiation while still permitting daylight transmission, thus dynamically balancing light access with energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shade applies local quality by selectively controlling radiation transmission at different wavelengths and angles. The conductive and dielectric layers are configured to block thermal radiation while maintaining visibility and natural light transmission, creating different optical properties for different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
3Ease of operation
If electric potential difference is applied to drive polymer substrate, then electrostatic forces are created to extend shutter, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems (motors, gears, springs) with an electrostatic field-based system. The conductive and dielectric layers create electrostatic forces that directly act on the polymer substrate to control extension and retraction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components and reducing power consumption to only what is needed to maintain the electric field.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic system provides self-service by using the electric field to both extend and retract the shade. The same conductive and dielectric layer structure that enables extension also enables retraction by reversing or removing the applied potential, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms for opposite directions.
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 enhances energy efficiency by dynamically controlling radiation transmission, reduces energy costs, and offers improved privacy and aesthetic appeal, while maintaining low power consumption and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a first electric potential difference to create first electrostatic forces to drive the at least one polymer substrate to the shutter closed position
Implementation Method 2
a second electric potential difference to create second electrostatic forces to encourage the at least one polymer substrate to at least partially retract
Data Source
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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 alternating conductive and dielectric layers, supported by one or more resilient polymer-based layers. A first set of electrostatic forces help cause the shutter to extend and remain in an extended position, whereas an electric field can be setup to help encourage the retraction of the shutter from an extended or at least partially extended position.