Fluidic Light Control Device for Dynamic Building Facades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building facades and shading mechanisms are either static or minimally controllable, leading to high operational energy costs, use of toxic materials, and lack of user and digital configurability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered stack device with fluid channels between layers, allowing for dynamic control of light transmission by filling and withdrawing fluids, which can be independently controlled to regulate light absorption, scattering, and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional building facades and shading mechanisms are used, then light transmission can be regulated, but the mechanisms are either static or minimally controllable and require large energy costs to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by creating a fluidic device that can dynamically change its optical properties. The device uses fluid flow through channels to switch between different optical states (transparent and opaque), enabling adaptive light transmission control. This dynamic mechanism replaces static or minimally controllable conventional shading mechanisms, allowing the system to respond to varying light transmission requirements without requiring large energy inputs for operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shading mechanisms are used, then light transmission can be controlled, but they are expensive and may include toxic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatics and hydraulics by using fluid flow through channels to control the optical properties of the device. The fluidic mechanism uses pumps and channels to move fluid that changes the optical state, providing a cost-effective and safe alternative to conventional electronic or mechanical shading mechanisms. This approach eliminates the need for expensive toxic materials while maintaining controllability of light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the optical parameters of the device through fluid flow. By changing the fluid state or composition within the channels, the device can switch between different optical transmission levels. This parameter-based control mechanism provides a cost-effective and safe manufacturing approach compared to conventional shading mechanisms that rely on expensive materials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional building facades are used, then light transmission is regulated, but the facades are static and not amenable to user and digital configurability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a fluidic system that can dynamically adjust its optical properties in response to user or digital control signals. The fluid flow through channels can be controlled to change light transmission levels, providing adaptability and configurability. This dynamic mechanism, while adding some structural complexity, enables user and digital configurability that static conventional facades lack.
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 device enables efficient, low-energy, and cost-effective dynamic control of light transmission, improving indoor thermal conditions and daylighting while reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid is operably received into the first fluid channel and operably withdrawn from the first fluid channel
Data Source
AI summary
A device for regulating light passing through the device comprises a multi-layered stack. The stack comprises a first layer and a second layer. The first layer and the second layer allow the light to pass through the first layer and the second layer. A first fluid channel is defined between the first layer and the second layer. The first fluid channel allows the light to pass through the first fluid channel. A first fluid is operably received into the first fluid channel and operably withdrawn from the first fluid channel.