Light-Transmissive Element With Independent Infrared And Visible Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windows lack the ability to independently control the transmission of heat (infrared light) and visible light, leading to inefficient heating and cooling, as well as glare issues, and existing smart windows with electrochromic cells are complex in structure.
Innovation Solution
A light-transmissive element with first and second particles enclosed within an enclosure, where the distribution of particles is controlled by electric fields to manage infrared and visible light transmission separately, using charged particles with specific reflective and absorptive properties to allow flexible control of light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional windows are used, then visible light transmission is enabled, but heat transmission cannot be controlled independently leading to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light transmission control into two independent systems: one for controlling visible light transmission and another for controlling infrared (heat) transmission. This is achieved by using different particle types with distinct optical properties - first particles for visible light and second particles for infrared light - allowing independent adjustment of each wavelength range to optimize energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of multiple particle types suspended in a fluid medium. The composite structure combines particles with different optical characteristics - some particles that interact with visible light and others that interact with infrared radiation - enabling simultaneous and independent control of both wavelength ranges within a single window system
2Ease of operation
If electrochromic cells with multiple layers are used to control light transmission, then light transmission control is achieved, but device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-layer electrochromic cell structure, electrolyte layers, and electrode systems from conventional smart windows. Instead, it uses a simplified system with particle suspensions that can be controlled by electric fields applied directly to the particles, removing unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining light transmission control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and chemical multi-layer electrochromic system with an electrically controlled particle suspension system. By using electric fields to directly manipulate charged particles in a fluid, the system achieves light transmission control without the need for complex layered structures, electrolytes, or multiple electrode systems
3Loss of energy
If heat transmission is blocked to reduce energy loss, then energy efficiency improves, but visible light transmission may also be blocked causing glare reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of heat and visible light transmission into independent systems using different particle types. First particles are designed to interact with visible light while second particles interact with infrared radiation. This segmentation allows the system to block infrared heat transmission while maintaining visible light transmission, or vice versa, depending on which electric field is applied, thereby resolving the trade-off between energy efficiency and illumination
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 independent control of heat and visible light transmission, reducing energy consumption and glare by allowing heat through while blocking visible light, or vice versa, with a simpler structure compared to prior smart window technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A distribution of the plurality of first particles is controllable, by a first electric field applied in a plane parallel to the wall members, to predominantly control the amount of light within a first wavelength range, corresponding to substantially infrared light
Implementation Method 2
A distribution of the plurality of second particles is controllable, by a second electric field, different from the first electric field, applied in the plane parallel to the wall members, to predominantly control the amount of light within a second wavelength range, corresponding to substantially visible light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light-transmissive element (106, 200, 500) which has light controlling properties. The light-transmissive element (106, 200, 500) comprises a plurality of first particles (206) and a plurality of second particles (208). The first particles (206) are configured to control the transmission of light of a first wavelength range being infrared light. The second particles (208) are configured to control the transmission of light of a second wavelength range being visible light. The first (206) and second particles (208) may independently be redistributed in an enclosure (207) enclosing the particles. Redistribution is enabled by an applied electric field which causes the particles to move in the enclosure (207). Thus, transmission of light of the first wavelength range and transmission of light of the second wavelength range is thereby independently controlled by the first (206) and second particles (208) respectively.