Electrostatic Shade Insulated Glazing Unit for Pressure Equalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated glazing units (IGUs) face challenges in energy efficiency, as they allow 5% of total energy consumption due to heat transfer, and are prone to pressure-related issues at higher altitudes, with smart glass solutions being costly, having short lifespans, and limited in controlling radiation and providing clear sightlines.
Innovation Solution
An IGU with a capillary tube filled with a desiccant and a semipermeable membrane to equalize pressure, combined with a conductive and dielectric layer system and a coiled spiral shade that can be electrically controlled to adjust radiation transmittance, allowing for customizable light intensity and spectral control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smart glass (electrochromic layers) is used to control radiation transmission, then radiation control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and operating life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive smart glass with a simpler, more reliable alternative: a conventional glass pane with an integrated electrostatic shade system. The shade uses basic electrostatic principles (similar to capacitor technology) rather than complex electrochromic layers, achieving comparable radiation control at lower cost and with greater reliability. The conductive layer on the glass pane serves dual purposes: structural integrity and electrical function for the shade mechanism.
2Stress or pressure
If capillary tubes are used to equalize pressure at high altitudes, then pressure equalization is improved, but moisture penetration occurs reducing IGU life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the pressure equalization system. The first end of the capillary tube (exposed to exterior) remains open for pressure equalization, while the second end (inside the IGU) is sealed with a semipermeable membrane that selectively blocks moisture while allowing pressure equalization. This local differentiation of properties solves both the pressure equalization need and the moisture protection requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The semipermeable membrane acts as an intermediary element between the capillary tube and the IGU interior. It mediates the interaction between pressure equalization and moisture protection, allowing the beneficial pressure equalization function while blocking the harmful moisture penetration that would otherwise occur through the open capillary tube.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional IGUs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radiation control function with the existing IGU structure by integrating an electrostatic shade system directly into the glazing assembly. The conductive layer is applied directly to the glass pane surface, and the shade is electrically connected to this layer, combining structural and functional elements. This integration maintains manufacturing simplicity while adding active radiation and heat transfer control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static IGU into a dynamic system with active control capability. The electrostatic shade can be electrically actuated to change its position and radiation transmittance in real-time, allowing dynamic adjustment of heat transfer and radiation control based on environmental conditions and user preferences, thereby significantly improving energy efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrostatic shade is extended to control radiation, then radiation transmittance control is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic shade operates on demand rather than continuously. Power is applied periodically or intermittently to extend or retract the shade as needed, rather than maintaining continuous power consumption. The electrostatic mechanism holds its position without continuous power input, allowing radiation control functionality with minimal energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive systems (motors, gears, springs) with an electrostatic field-based actuation mechanism. The electrostatic force generated by the potential difference between the conductive layer and the shade's conductive element directly moves the shade without mechanical transmission components, reducing power consumption and simplifying the actuation system.
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 effectively reduces energy consumption by controlling radiation and heat transfer, extends the lifespan of the IGU by preventing moisture condensation, and provides adjustable light transmission while maintaining clear sightlines, addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
A capillary tube, the first end of which is exposed to an exterior of the insulated glazing unit and the second end of which is configured to communicate with the framed area, is substantially filled with a desiccant. A portion of the spacer at which the second end of the capillary tube communicates with the framed area is sealed with a semipermeable membrane
Implementation Method 2
A capillary tube, the first end of which is exposed to an exterior of the insulated glazing unit and the second end of which is configured to communicate with the framed area, is substantially filled with a desiccant
Implementation Method 3
A portion of the spacer at which the second end of the capillary tube communicates with the framed area is sealed with a semipermeable membrane, such that moisture is prevented from entering into the framed area of the insulated glazing unit
Implementation Method 4
the capillary tube feeds an opening in the spacer and another end of the capillary tube is open to the inside of the IGU but sealed with a semipermeable membrane... moisture in the air will be trapped by the desiccant
Implementation Method 5
When an electric drive of voltage or current is applied between the pane conductive layer and the substantially transparent shade conductive layer a potential difference between the pane conductive layer and the substantially transparent shade conductive layer causes the shade to extend
Implementation Method 6
the shade is adapted to extend along a length of the framed area from a retracted configuration having a first surface area substantially permitting radiation transmission through the framed area to an extended configuration having a second surface area substantially controlling radiation transmission through the framed area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
An insulated glazing unit (100) includes a spacer (150) defining a framed area, first and second glazing panes (320) attached to the spacer (150), a pane conductive layer (322) on an inner surface of the first glazing pane (320), and a dielectric layer (324) disposed on the pane conductive layer (322). A shade (310) for use with the insulated glazing unit (100) is affixed to the first glazing pane (320). The shade (310) includes one or more layers selected from a resilient layer (316), a substantially transparent shade conductive layer (318), and an opaque shade conductive layer (325). When an electric drive is applied between the pane conductive layer (322) and the shade conductive layer (318, 325), a potential difference between the pane conductive layer (322) and the shade conductive layer (318, 325) causes the shade (310) to extend from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The shade (310) can further include at least one ink coating layer (340) including pigments that selectively reflect or absorb certain visible colors and infrared.