Multi-function light-adjusting glass with orthogonal alignment films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-adjusting glass is limited in functionality due to material compatibility issues, resulting in non-uniform light transmittance and reduced service life, and is complex and costly to manufacture, with limited ability to switch between light transmission, heat insulation, and privacy protection.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function light-adjusting glass structure comprising substrates with electrically conductive films and alignment films, a light-adjusting layer with liquid crystal molecules and salt-in ions, and polarizing boards that adjust light transmission and scattering by controlling the electric field and voltage frequency, allowing for easy switching between light transmission, heat insulation, and privacy protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-adjusting techniques are incorporated to provide more functions, then the functionality is improved, but the thickness and complexity of the glass product increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light-adjusting techniques (liquid crystal, electrochromic, suspended particles) into a single integrated glass product with a unified structure. The glass includes a first light-adjusting layer with liquid crystal, a second light-adjusting layer with electrochromic material, and a third light-adjusting layer with suspended particles, all within one glass assembly rather than separate stacked components, thereby reducing overall thickness and structural complexity while maintaining multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass product is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously through different controllable states. The same glass structure can switch between transparent state (light transmission), tinted state (heat insulation), and scattered state (privacy protection) by controlling different light-adjusting layers, eliminating the need for separate specialized glass products for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different light-adjusting materials are used together to enhance functionality, then the versatility is improved, but the material compatibility issues cause non-uniform material distribution and light transmittance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the glass structure into distinct separated layers, with each light-adjusting material (liquid crystal, electrochromic, suspended particles) contained in its own independent layer. This segmentation prevents material mixing and compatibility issues, ensuring uniform distribution of each material within its designated layer while maintaining overall product functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid crystal layer as an intermediary between other light-adjusting materials. The liquid crystal layer acts as a mediator that can be independently controlled and does not directly contact or mix with other materials, thereby preventing compatibility issues and non-uniform distribution while still enabling coordinated multi-functionality through electrical control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light-adjusting glass is used to achieve light transmission and heat insulation, then the basic functionality is provided, but the ability to switch between multiple functions including privacy protection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic controllability by enabling the glass to switch between different functional states (transparent, tinted, scattered) through electrical control of different light-adjusting layers. The glass transitions from static single-function to dynamic multi-function, where each layer can be independently or collectively controlled to achieve different operational modes including privacy protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in electrical control to achieve different functional states. By varying voltage parameters applied to different light-adjusting layers, the glass can switch between transparent state (for light transmission), tinted state (for heat insulation), and scattered state (for privacy protection), providing simple operational control despite multiple functions.
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 enables a simplified, cost-effective glass that can conveniently switch between light transmission, heat insulation, and privacy protection modes by controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules and polarizing light, enhancing applicability and reducing material complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules is relatively adjacent to the first alignment film and is aligned in the first alignment direction of the first alignment film, while another portion of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules is relatively adjacent to the second alignment film and is aligned in the second alignment direction of the second alignment film
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of salt-in ions is affected by a voltage when the first and second electrically conductive films apply the voltage to the light-adjusting layer. The voltage disturbs the plurality of liquid crystal molecules and thereby causes a discontinuous and chaotic arrangement of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules and causes an incident light to scatter in the light-adjusting layer
Implementation Method 3
The first polarizing board is located at an outer side of the first substrate away from the intermediate space, and the second polarizing board is located at an outer side of the second substrate away from the intermediate space
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function light-adjusting glass includes first and second substrates delimiting an intermediate space therebetween, a light-adjusting layer disposed in the intermediate space, and a first polarizing board located at an outer side of the first substrate away from the intermediate space, and a second polarizing board located at an outer side of the second substrate away from the intermediate space. Each substrate includes an electrically conductive film on an inner surface of the substrate facing the intermediate space, and an alignment film disposed between the electrically conductive film and the intermediate space. The two alignment films respectively have two alignment directions orthogonal to each other. The light-adjusting layer includes liquid crystal molecules and salt-in ions. When the two electrically conductive films apply a voltage to the light-adjusting layer, the liquid crystal molecules are in a discontinuous and chaotic arrangement and cause an incident light to scatter in the light-adjusting layer.