French Balcony Switchable Glazing for Privacy and Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
French balconies with transparent pane elements face challenges in providing privacy protection without obstructing sunlight, as external blinds or roller shutters must be used, which either darken the entire window or require a permanent opaque film on the pane.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a functional element with electrically controllable light transmission properties, such as a switchable glazing film, that can change from opaque to translucent based on applied voltage, allowing for adjustable privacy and sunlight control without closing the entire window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external blinds or roller shutters are used for privacy protection, then privacy is improved, but light transmission is reduced (entire window darkens)
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into two functional zones: the upper portion with external blinds/roller shutters for privacy protection, and the lower French balcony pane element with switchable glazing for selective transparency. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, enabling privacy protection in the upper zone while maintaining light transmission in the lower zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The French balcony pane element incorporates switchable glazing that can dynamically change its transparency state between transparent and opaque. This dynamic property allows the pane to adapt to different privacy requirements while maintaining optimal light transmission when privacy is not needed, resolving the contradiction between fixed privacy protection and light transmission.
2Reliability
If a permanent opaque film is applied to the pane element, then privacy protection is improved, but light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a permanent opaque film, the invention uses switchable glazing with electrically controllable transparency. The pane element can switch between transparent and opaque states based on user demand, providing privacy protection only when needed while maintaining light transmission during normal operation, thus eliminating the need for permanent opacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the pane element are made variable through switchable glazing technology. By changing the transparency parameter electrically, the same pane can serve both as a light-transmitting element and a privacy-providing element at different times, avoiding the compromise of permanent opacity.
3Reliability
If the entire window is closed for privacy protection, then privacy is improved, but sunlight entry is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The window system is segmented into multiple controllable zones with different privacy requirements. The French balcony pane element can be independently controlled to provide privacy when needed, while the rest of the window remains open and transparent, allowing sunlight to enter the room without requiring complete window closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable glazing in the French balcony pane enables dynamic, selective privacy protection. Users can activate opacity only in specific areas and at specific times when privacy is needed, rather than closing the entire window, thus maintaining sunlight entry while providing localized privacy protection.
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
Enables flexible control over light transmission and privacy, allowing sunlight to enter while maintaining interior visibility and privacy without the need to close the entire window, enhancing both functionality and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a pane element that is transparent per se, in particular a glass pane or a transparent pane made of a polymer material, is provided with a functional element, in particular a functional film, which has electrically controllable light transmission properties. Such a functional film has a layer in which, when no voltage is applied, there are unaligned molecules, through which the light is strongly scattered, which historically renders opaque. However, when a voltage is applied to this layer, the molecules align in one direction and the transmission of light through this active layer is increased.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a French balcony (1) for mounting in front of a window frame (12) inserted into a window opening (10) of a building wall (14), wherein the French balcony (1) comprises a glazing element (2) and a mounting system (3) for mounting the glazing element (2), wherein the French balcony (1) is characterized according to the invention in that it further comprises a functional element (3) associated with the glazing element (2), which gives the glazing element (2) electrically controllable light transmission properties.