Photochromic Window Transparency Control via Light Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window transparency control technologies rely on electro-chromic materials or liquid crystals activated by electric voltage, which are complex and limited in geometric shape, requiring electrical electrodes and coatings, whereas there is a need for simpler, more versatile active transparency control suitable for display showcases, vehicle front windows, sun protectors, and sunglasses.
Innovation Solution
The use of photochromic materials embedded in window materials that change light transmission when exposed to controlled activating light, eliminating the need for electrical electrodes and allowing for adjustable transparency without geometric limitations, using light guides and fiber optics for low-volume, low-weight windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electro-chromic materials or liquid crystals are used for transparency control, then transparency adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to requirement of electrical electrodes and transparent conducting coatings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical electrode system from the transparency control mechanism. Instead of using electro-chromic materials that require electrodes and conducting coatings, the invention uses photochromic materials that can be directly activated by light sources applied to the edge of the window, eliminating the need for complex electrical infrastructure within the window structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical activation system with an optical activation system. Photochromic materials are activated by light energy rather than electrical voltage, substituting the entire electrical control infrastructure (electrodes, coatings, power supply) with a simpler optical control mechanism using light guides or fiber optics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electro-chromic materials are used, then transparency control is achieved, but the geometrical shape of the window is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the activation mechanism from the window surface. Instead of requiring electrodes across the entire window surface, the activation function is concentrated at the edges through light guides or fiber optics, allowing the main window surface to be any geometric shape without constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light guides or fiber optics as intermediary elements that carry activation light from external sources to the photochromic material embedded in the window. This intermediary system decouples the geometric constraints of the window from the activation mechanism, allowing arbitrary window shapes.
3Manufacturing precision
If photochromic materials are used, then large change of transparency is achieved, but precise control of intermediate states requires precise control of activating light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the activating light source to achieve precise transparency adjustment. By varying the intensity, duration, or wavelength of the light applied to the photochromic material, the system can achieve any intermediate state between fully transparent and fully opaque, providing continuous and precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the activating light (intensity, wavelength, pulse duration) to precisely control the degree of photochromic activation. By adjusting these parameters, the system can achieve fine-grained control over transparency levels, enabling precise intermediate states.
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
This solution enables precise control of light transmission, achieving large changes in transparency without electrical components, allowing for intermediate states and versatile applications in various uses, including display showcases and vehicle windows, while protecting observers from activating light.
Implementation Method 1
The photochromic materials in the window change the light transmission of the transparent window when exposed to controlled activating light
Data Source
AI summary
An active, transparency-controlled window comprises at least one layer of a material that is transparent to at least selected wavelengths of light; at least one layer of photochromic material having a transparency, to the at least selected wavelengths of light, that can be controllably altered by an activating light; and a controllable source of light that activates the photochromic material to controllably alter the transparency of the photochromic material to the at least selected wavelengths of light. The material that is transparent to at least selected wavelengths of light may be a material selected from the group consisting of glass and plastic.