Laminated Glass Panel with Switchable Optical Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-control panels for vehicles and buildings lack efficient solutions for adjustable tint, in-glass lighting, privacy, thermal protection, and noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) performance, particularly in laminated glass or glazing systems, which are essential for optimal functionality and user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glass panel design incorporating a GHLC device for adjustable tint, a light guide device for in-glass lighting, thermal coatings for thermal protection, and an air gap for NVH improvement, along with filters and lamination layers to achieve these features, with switchable components controlled by electrical connections for dynamic light management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components (GHLC films, light-guide plates, thermal coatings) are integrated into laminated glass panels, then functionality is improved with adjustable tint, in-glass lighting, thermal protection, and privacy, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (GHLC films, light-guide plates, thermal coatings, filters) into a single laminated glass panel structure, merging their functions to provide adjustable tint, in-glass lighting, thermal protection, and privacy control within one integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The laminated glass panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adjustable light transmission through GHLC films, integrated lighting through light-guide plates, thermal shielding through thermal coatings, and wavelength-specific filtering for privacy, making the panel a multi-functional component
2Temperature
If multiple layers and components are added to achieve thermal protection and NVH performance, then thermal protection is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures in the laminated glass panel, combining different materials (glass layers, GHLC films, thermal coatings, air gaps) to achieve thermal protection and NVH performance while managing the weight through optimized material selection and layer configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If switchable components are integrated into the panel, then adaptability is improved with dynamic light control, but ease of repair worsens due to component integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laminated glass panel into distinct functional layers (GHLC films, light-guide plates, thermal coatings, filters) that can be independently controlled and potentially replaced, allowing dynamic light control while facilitating maintenance through layer-specific access
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 adjustable tint, in-glass lighting, enhanced privacy, thermal protection, and improved NVH performance, while allowing for cost-effective repair and maintenance by isolating components and optimizing their placement within the panel structure.
Implementation Method 1
guest-host liquid crystal (GHLC) films
Implementation Method 2
thermal coatings
Implementation Method 3
The second glazing layer and the third glazing layer have an air gap therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
Light-control panels including layered optical components are described in this application. An example of a light-control panel includes a first glazing layer, a second glazing layer, a third glazing layer, and a fourth glazing layer, a first switchable component extending between the first glazing layer and the second glazing layer, a thermal coating extending between the first glazing layer and the first switchable component, and a second switchable component extending between the third glazing layer and the fourth glazing layer. The second glazing layer and the third glazing layer have an air gap therebetween, such that the air gap forms a space between the second glazing layer and the third glazing layer.