Low-Voltage Haze Tuning Assembly Using Composite Liquid Crystals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current glazing products with tunable optical properties require high voltages or electric currents and do not fully meet stringent technical requirements for energy efficiency and privacy features, lacking scalable and cost-effective solutions for low-voltage manipulation of haze without optical energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A haze-tunable assembly using a composite liquid crystal material with a cross-linked unaligned network of nanofibers, such as cellulose nanofibers, and nematic liquid crystals, which can be switched between polydomain and monodomain states by applying a low voltage, maintaining high visible-range transmittance and color neutrality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high voltage or electric current is used to switch haze and transparency in glazing products, then optical switching function is achieved, but energy consumption increases and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (voltage) from high voltage to low voltage operation by modifying the liquid crystal material composition and structure. The specific parameter changes include using nematic liquid crystal materials with specific properties and configuring the nanofiber network to enable switching at low voltages, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material system consisting of liquid crystal material combined with a cross-linked nanofiber network. This composite structure enables the material to achieve haze switching functionality at low voltages, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and reliable operation
2Reliability
If conventional glazing products are used to achieve tunable optical properties, then privacy features and energy efficiency are improved, but they require high voltages and do not meet stringent technical requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the operating voltage parameter from high voltage to low voltage by redesigning the material composition. The liquid crystal material and nanofiber network are specifically configured to enable switching at low voltages, meeting stringent technical requirements while improving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition properties of nematic liquid crystal materials to achieve haze switching. The material transitions between different optical states in response to low voltage application, enabling tunable optical properties without requiring high voltages
3Loss of energy
If haze switching is achieved in conventional glazing products, then privacy features are enabled, but optical energy loss through absorption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition of nematic liquid crystal material to achieve haze switching without absorption-based mechanisms. The optical switching is accomplished through reorientation of liquid crystal molecules and domain structure changes, which do not involve energy-absorbing processes, thereby minimizing optical energy loss
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 efficient, low-voltage tuning of haze coefficients within a broad range, achieving high transparency and durability with minimal power consumption, suitable for smart glass applications like privacy windows and daylighting, while ensuring color neutrality and independence from light polarization.
Implementation Method 1
the composite liquid crystal material can be switched between polydomain and monodomain states by applying a low voltage
Implementation Method 2
a haze of the composite liquid crystal material can be tuned by applying a bias across the first contact layer and the second contact layer
Implementation Method 3
the composite liquid crystal material comprises liquid crystal material and a cross-linked unaligned (e.g., random) network of nanofibers
Data Source
AI summary
Haze tunable assemblies and methods of forming and using the assemblies are disclosed. Exemplary assemblies include two or more substrates and a composite liquid crystal material interposed between at least two of the substrates. Exemplary assemblies exhibit large variation in haze upon application of a relatively low voltage and can retain desired transmission of visible light transmission.