Layered Glazing with Switchable Optical Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-control panels in vehicles and buildings lack the ability to dynamically adjust light transmission and privacy features effectively, particularly in varying environmental conditions, such as brightness and weather, using existing laminated glass technologies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of layered glazing systems with thermal coatings and switchable components like GHLC and PDLC devices, along with lamination layers and low-reflective films, allows for adjustable tint, light scattering, and in-glass illumination, controlled by electrical connections and a controller system, enabling optimal light management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional laminated glass is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but dynamic light transmission adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into multiple glazing layers (first, second, third glazing layers) with distinct functional components positioned between them. Switchable components are placed in specific inter-layer spaces, allowing independent control of different optical functions in different spatial zones, thereby enabling dynamic light transmission adjustment without requiring complete restructuring of the entire panel.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are nested within the laminated glass structure. Switchable components, lamination layers, and thermal coatings are integrated into the inter-layer spaces of the glazing system, with each layer containing or supporting specific functional elements. This nesting approach allows complex functionality to be embedded within the existing glass structure without significantly increasing external dimensions or overall complexity.
2Temperature
If thermal coatings are added to glazing layers, then thermal shielding performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal coating is integrated directly onto the surface of existing glazing layers, combining the thermal shielding function with the structural glass component. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate thermal control layers or additional assembly steps, as the thermal coating becomes an inherent part of the glazing layer itself, thereby improving thermal performance without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switchable components are integrated, then light control versatility is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different switchable components are positioned in specific inter-layer spaces to provide localized optical functions. The first and second switchable components are placed between specific glazing layers to control light transmission in particular zones, allowing each region of the panel to have optimized light control characteristics tailored to its specific functional requirements, thereby enhancing overall versatility through spatially differentiated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface coatings to three-dimensional volumetric control by placing switchable components within the inter-layer spaces of the laminated structure. This spatial distribution of functional components throughout the thickness of the panel enables independent control of multiple optical properties (transmission, scattering, reflection) in different spatial zones, significantly enhancing light control versatility without requiring all components to be stacked in a single plane.
4Reliability
If lamination layers are positioned between switchable components, then optical protection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Lamination layers serve as intermediary elements between switchable components and glazing layers. These lamination layers provide mechanical support and positioning for the switchable components, ensuring proper alignment and spacing while protecting the optical surfaces. The lamination material acts as a buffer that accommodates minor dimensional variations, thereby protecting optical components without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
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 enhanced comfort and privacy by dynamically adjusting light transmission and scattering based on environmental conditions, improving occupant experience and reducing glare, while maintaining transparency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal coating extending between the first and second glazing layers
Implementation Method 2
guest-host liquid-crystal (GHLC) films
Implementation Method 3
polymer-dispersed or polymer-networked liquid-crystal (PDLC or PNLC) films
Implementation Method 4
a lamination layer extending between the first and second switchable components
Implementation Method 5
first and second low-reflective films spaced apart by a distance defined by an air gap
Data Source
AI summary
Light-control panels including layered optical components are described in this application. An example of a light-control panel includes first, second, and third glazing layers, first and second switchable components extending between the first and second glazing layers, and a third switchable component extending between the second and third glazing layers. The switchable components include a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC) device having a clear state and a hazy state, a guest-host liquid-crystal (GHLC) device having a clear state and a tinted state, and a light-guide device having a clear state and a bright state.