Low-Voltage Smart Glass Modular Wall System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart glass installations pose safety risks due to high voltage requirements and cumbersome cable routing, making them expensive and difficult to install, especially in environments where water is present.
Innovation Solution
A modular wall system with a low-voltage power supply that converts DC input voltage to AC voltage, allowing the smart glass surface to operate at a voltage less than a threshold maximum, with adjustable frequency to control opacity, and a smart glass controller that integrates with the modular wall system for safe and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional smart glass uses high voltage to control opacity, then the smart glass functionality is achieved, but safety risks and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from conventional high voltage (120V AC) to low voltage (24V DC), fundamentally altering the electrical characteristics of the smart glass system. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining smart glass functionality while eliminating safety risks associated with high voltage and reducing installation complexity through simpler electrical requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a DC power supply and voltage converter as intermediary devices between the mains power and the smart glass element. These intermediaries transform the high voltage AC power into low voltage DC power, enabling safe operation of the smart glass while maintaining compatibility with standard electrical infrastructure, thus resolving both safety and installation complexity issues
2Use of energy by moving object
If smart glass requires voltage routing through cables, then power supply is achieved, but installation becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter from high voltage AC requiring heavy-gauge cables and specialized routing to low voltage DC that can be supplied through simpler wiring methods. This parameter change directly addresses the contradiction by maintaining adequate power supply to the smart glass element while dramatically simplifying installation requirements and reducing costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If smart glass is installed in environments with water present, then functional versatility is improved, but safety risks increase due to high voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical operating parameters to low voltage DC, which inherently reduces the harmful effect of electrocution risk. This parameter change enables the smart glass to be safely installed in environments where water is present (such as showers or kitchens) while maintaining full functional versatility, as low voltage systems are inherently safer around conductive materials
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 increased safety and ease of installation by reducing voltage levels, eliminating the need for special safety precautions and certifications, and allowing smart glass panes to be easily added or removed from the modular wall system without risking electrocution or damage.
Implementation Method 1
A power inverter converts the DC input voltage to an alternating current (AC) voltage of less than a threshold maximum number of volts
Implementation Method 2
The opacity level of the smart glass surface is adjustable according to the frequency of the AC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include modular wall systems, smart glass controllers and methods for operating such. In one scenario, a modular wall system is provided which includes a frame with a horizontal stringer. The modular wall system also includes first connectors positioned on the horizontal stringer, and a decorative smart glass pane which includes second connectors configured to attach to the first connectors on the horizontal stringer. The second connectors and the first connectors physically attach the decorative smart glass pane to the modular wall system. A power connector is also included. The power connector is configured to receive a direct current (DC) input voltage from a power source. A power inverter converts the DC input voltage to an alternating current (AC) voltage of less than a threshold maximum number of volts. Furthermore, a smart glass surface is included, which is in communication with an output of the inverter.