Intelligent Window Liquid Crystal Composition for Multi-State Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intelligent windows are limited by material compatibility and switching conditions, unable to seamlessly switch between transparent, light absorption, and light scattering states, resulting in poor dimming effects and limited uses.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent window design featuring two substrates with a switchable electric field and a dimming layer filled with a liquid crystal material, composed of a chiral molecule, dichroic dye, and salt ion, allowing for controlled switching between transparent, absorption, and scattering states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-layer structure is used to increase switchable function options, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitchable function optionsVSAvoidmulti-layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a single-layer liquid crystal composition that can perform multiple functions (light absorption, light scattering, and transparency switching) through voltage control, eliminating the need for multiple separate layers. The liquid crystal material responds to different voltage levels to provide diverse optical states, achieving multi-functionality within a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functional components (chiral molecules, dichroic dyes, and liquid crystal molecules) into a single integrated liquid crystal composition. This merging of components into one layer replaces the conventional multi-layer structure, simplifying the device while maintaining or enhancing functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-layer structure is used to increase switchable function options, then the functionality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitchable function optionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (chiral molecules, dichroic dyes, and liquid crystal molecules) into a single integrated liquid crystal composition. This merging of components into one layer replaces the conventional multi-layer structure, simplifying the device while maintaining or enhancing functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies a single-layer liquid crystal composition that can perform multiple functions (light absorption, light scattering, and transparency switching) through voltage control, eliminating the need for multiple separate layers. The liquid crystal material responds to different voltage levels to provide diverse optical states, achieving multi-functionality within a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a conventional intelligent window structure is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the dimming effect is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddimming effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite liquid crystal material containing chiral molecules, dichroic dyes, and liquid crystal molecules. This composite composition provides enhanced dimming effects through the synergistic interaction of components, while still being manufacturable as a single-layer structure. The dichroic dye specifically enhances light absorption capability in the colored state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the concentration ratios of components in the liquid crystal composition to achieve desired optical properties. By adjusting parameters such as the concentration of dichroic dye and chiral molecules, the patent enhances the dimming effect while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a single-layer structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If the chiral molecule concentration is not optimized, then the manufacturing is easier, but the switching performance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial preparationVSAvoidswitching performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a specific concentration range for chiral molecules (0.1-10 wt%) in the liquid crystal composition to optimize switching performance. This parameter optimization ensures reliable transition between optical states while maintaining practical manufacturability. The patent provides guidance for achieving optimal performance without excessive manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 intelligent window achieves simple and quick switching between light states, enhances dimming effects, and improves manufacturing ease, while maintaining transparency without electricity consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a dimming layer formed by filling a liquid crystal material between the two substrates. The liquid crystal material is formed by mixing a chiral molecule, a dichroic dye, and a salt ion in a nematic liquid crystal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal phase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

two substrates each electrically connected to a voltage source, with a switchable electric field formed between the two substrates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field effect on liquid crystal: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

The arrangements caused by the chiral force acting on the liquid crystal molecules under different voltages can be controlled through the limitation formula of the chiral molecule concentration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChiral force:

Implementation Method 4

a dimming layer formed by filling a liquid crystal material between the two substrates. The liquid crystal material is formed by mixing a chiral molecule, a dichroic dye, and a salt ion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroic absorption: Dichroic Filter

Implementation Method 5

The intelligent window of the present invention can be switchable between a normally transparent state, a multi-direction polarization absorption state, and a scattering state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS12321066B2Intelligent window

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 BRILLIANT OPTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An intelligent window includes two substrates and a dimming layer. Each substrate is electrically connected to a voltage source. A switchable electric field is formed between the two substrates. The dimming layer is formed by filling a liquid crystal material between the two substrates. The liquid crystal material is formed by mixing a chiral molecule, a dichroic dye, and a salt ion in a nematic liquid crystal. A weight percentage concentration of the chiral molecule in the liquid crystal material is determined according to a limitation formula (I). C is the weight percentage concentration, n is a birefringence index of the liquid crystal material, p is a chiral force of the chiral molecule in micrometer−1, D is a thickness of the dimming layer in micrometer, m1 is a constant of multiaxial absorption condition in micrometer, and m2 is a constant of normally transparent condition.n4⁢pm1≤C≤m2Dp(I)