Magneto-rheological Panel Assembly for Localized Transmissivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart glass technologies require expensive and potentially toxic chemicals to control visible light transmission uniformly across entire panels, lacking an inexpensive and scalable method to alter light transmission locally and enhance panel strength against impact.
Innovation Solution
A transparent panel assembly using magneto-rheological fluid with embedded wires forming 'horseshoe' electromagnets and a control system to selectively vary radiation transmissivity and structural rigidity by adjusting magnetic particle distribution within the fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electric fields and chemical elements are used to control light transmission, then transmissivity control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and toxic chemicals are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for control from electric/chemical fields to magnetic fields. By using magneto-rheological fluid containing magnetic particles, the system controls light transmission through magnetic field application rather than electric fields or chemical agents, eliminating toxic chemicals and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/chemical control system with a magnetic field-based system. The magneto-rheological fluid responds to magnetic fields by changing its rheological properties, providing a non-chemical mechanism for transmissivity control that is both safer and more cost-effective
2Ease of operation
If uniform intensity transmission changes are applied to the entire panel, then control is simplified, but localized control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control capability by using multiple independent electromagnetic coils positioned at different locations on the panel. Each coil can be independently controlled to create localized magnetic fields, enabling zone-by-zone transmissivity control while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different regions of the panel to have different transmissivity properties through selective coil activation. Each localized area can be independently adjusted based on specific requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through modular control
3Object-affected harmful factors
If smart glass technology is used to control light transmission, then transmissivity control is achieved, but panel strength against impact is not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using the magneto-rheological fluid for both light transmission control and structural strengthening. The same fluid that provides transmissivity control also enhances impact resistance by forming a yield-stress fluid that resists deformation under impact loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic properties by utilizing the yield-stress behavior of the magneto-rheological fluid. The fluid remains fluid-like during normal operation for transparency and control, but dynamically transforms to a solid-like state under impact forces, providing automatic impact resistance without additional structural elements
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 localized control of radiation transmission and increased panel strength through the selective distribution of magnetic particles, reducing costs and toxicity while improving impact resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a magneto-rheological fluid reservoir sandwiched between the first transparent sub panel and the second transparent panel, the reservoir being structured to house a volume of a magneto-rheological fluid
Implementation Method 2
each U-shaped conductive element having an electromagnetic coil wound thereabout at or about the first edge or the second edge of the first transparent sub panel to form a 'horseshoe' electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
A system that utilizes a very thin arrangement of transparent sub panels containing embedded very small distributed electromagnet wires to control the distribution of very fine magneto-rheological fluid particles suspended in a very thin panel sandwiched between the electromagnet wire panels. The current applied to specific electromagnets may be used to control the amount of electromagnetic energy, such as visible light, that can be transmitted through the panel system. The system may also be used to increase or decrease the rigidity of the multi-panel structure as a function of current applied to the electromagnets.