Variable Light Transmission Entryway Panels Without Battery Dependence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building entryway systems rely heavily on batteries for power, which can run out of power, requiring inconvenient replacement or recharging, and lack integration with other electronic devices for efficient energy management and privacy control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating variable light transmission panels (VLTPs) with electrochromic and liquid crystal technologies into building entryway systems, connected to the main power supply to reduce battery dependence, and integrating them with electronic devices for enhanced energy efficiency and privacy control, using a system that adjusts based on user preferences and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batteries are used to power electronic devices in building entryways, then portability and ease of installation are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to power depletion requiring replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the building's existing electrical infrastructure to power electronic devices, eliminating the need for battery replacement or recharging. The electrical wiring system automatically provides continuous power without requiring user intervention for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The building's electrical wiring system, already present for other purposes, is utilized to power electronic devices in entryways. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure eliminates the need for separate battery systems while maintaining ease of installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable light transmission panels are integrated with electronic devices, then privacy control and energy efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines variable light transmission panels with electronic devices such as doorbell cameras and intercom systems. This integration allows these devices to share common power supply and control circuits, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing privacy control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical wiring system is designed to serve multiple functions: powering traditional electronic devices and simultaneously controlling variable light transmission panels. This multi-functional approach consolidates system complexity rather than increasing it.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable light transmission panels are used in entryway systems, then privacy control and light management are improved, but battery dependence increases leading to inconvenient power replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically receives continuous power from the building's electrical infrastructure, eliminating the need for user intervention to replace or recharge batteries. The electrical wiring system self-sustains the power needs of both electronic devices and variable light transmission panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from battery-powered operation with limited energy capacity to continuous electrical power supply. This parameter change in power source characteristics enables unlimited operation of variable light transmission panels without maintenance concerns.
4Loss of time
If electronic devices are powered by building main power supply through VLTP integration, then battery replacement frequency is reduced, but electrical wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The building's existing electrical wiring system is utilized to power multiple devices including electronic entryway devices and variable light transmission panels. This approach leverages already-installed infrastructure rather than creating new wiring systems, avoiding increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply function from battery-based systems and integrates it with the building's existing electrical infrastructure. This separation eliminates battery replacement requirements while utilizing already-present wiring, avoiding additional wiring complexity.
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 provides a reliable and efficient power source for electronic devices in building entryways, reducing battery reliance and enhancing energy efficiency and privacy control through adjustable light transmission and color changes, ensuring continuous functionality and improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the VLTP changes optical transmission and color when an electric voltage is applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
The change in the light transmission in the panel occurs by at least one of an electrochemical process or alignment of molecules and/or particles in the electrical field
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to variable optical transmission windows and window panels (VLTP) which are used for architectural applications such as building entryway systems and windows. The optical transmission of the VLTPs is reversibly changed by applying an electrical voltage. This disclosure includes combination of more than one VLTP in a single window which darken to different colors. This disclosure is directed to the use and powering of such panels in door and windows. The doors and windows having these VLTPs may also have other electronic devices which provide added user functionality.