Electrostatic Shades in Insulating Glass Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current window technologies fail to efficiently balance energy efficiency and human comfort, leading to excessive heating and cooling costs, and do not effectively utilize solar gain or provide privacy on demand, while also lacking in aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
The development of electric, potentially-driven shades for insulating glass units that can be selectively activated to control radiation transmission through conductive coatings and electrostatic forces, incorporating perforations for adjustable solar control and overcoat layers to reduce reflection and enhance appearance.
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 radiation and privacy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating electrostatically controllable shades that can transition between different states (transparent, translucent, opaque) based on electrical potential application. This allows the window system to dynamically adjust solar radiation transmission and privacy levels while maintaining the insulating properties of the static low-E coatings on the glass substrates.
2Loss of energy
If spectrally selective low-E coatings are used to reduce solar heat gain, then cooling energy is reduced, but the aesthetic appearance and light transmission are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing electrostatic shades at specific locations within the IGU cavity, allowing selective control of light and heat transmission at different zones. The shades can be positioned to optimize both solar heat gain control and aesthetic appearance, with different regions of the window having different levels of shading based on orientation and exposure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric shades are added to IG units, then dynamic solar control and privacy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-film electrostatic shades that can be deposited directly onto the glass substrates or spacer, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components. The electrostatic actuation mechanism uses thin dielectric layers and conductive coatings, significantly reducing the overall device complexity compared to traditional mechanical shade systems while maintaining dynamic control functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If perforations are added to shades for solar control, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs perforated or porous shade structures where controlled openings allow selective solar transmission. The perforations can be created through standard glass processing techniques such as drilling, punching, or chemical etching, achieving the required precision through established manufacturing methods rather than requiring novel high-precision processes.
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 provides improved energy efficiency by dynamically controlling solar radiation, reducing energy waste, and offering privacy on demand while maintaining a pleasing aesthetic appearance, with low power consumption and extended battery life.
Implementation Method 1
electric, potentially-driven shades that can be selectively activated to control radiation transmission through conductive coatings and electrostatic forces
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6a~6b
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, a conductor, and optional ink. The conductor may be transparent or opaque. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The shutter's conductor may have a modified surface, e.g., to promote diffuse reflection, reduce total internal reflection, etc. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances.