Portable Defect Mitigator for Electrochromic Windows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochromic windows suffer from high defectivity and low versatility due to issues like electrical shorts and pinholes, which affect their performance and visual quality, and existing defect mitigation methods are limited to production facilities, making it costly and inefficient to address defects in installed windows.

Innovation Solution

A portable defect mitigator system equipped with a dynamic autofocus system, vacuum engagement, and laser technology that can be transported to identify and mitigate defects in electrochromic windows, allowing for on-site correction of visual anomalies and extending the window's usable life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrochromic windows are used, then they provide electrochromic functionality, but they suffer from high defectivity and low versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect-free operationVSAvoidapplication flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrochromic window into modular components: electrochromic glass units with defects can be individually replaced or mitigated without replacing the entire window system. The defect mitigator apparatus treats defects locally rather than requiring complete system replacement, enabling selective repair of problematic units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by allowing post-installation modification of electrochromic units. Defects are mitigated by applying voltage changes to alter the electrochromic state, and units can be switched between colored and clear states dynamically. This enables versatility in application scenarios including privacy control, glare reduction, and energy management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If defect mitigation is performed in production facilities only, then manufacturing quality can be controlled, but it becomes costly and inefficient to address defects in installed windows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidfield serviceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the defect mitigation functionality from the production facility environment and places it in a portable field serviceable apparatus. The defect mitigator can be transported to installed windows and operated independently, separating the mitigation function from manufacturing constraints and enabling on-site repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a portable defect mitigator apparatus as an intermediary tool between the installed window and the user/technician. This intermediary device enables defect detection and mitigation without requiring specialized production facility equipment, bridging the gap between manufacturing quality control and field serviceability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If electrochromic windows are made with strict quality control, then defectivity is reduced, but production costs increase and versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow performanceVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary defect identification during or after installation, allowing most units to proceed with standard installation procedures. Only units with detected defects require subsequent mitigation treatment, enabling efficient production while ensuring quality. This preliminary screening approach avoids unnecessary rework of defect-free units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service defect mitigation where the portable apparatus can be operated by technicians or even end users to correct defects in installed windows. This self-service capability reduces the need for expensive specialized manufacturing processes and allows quality assurance to be performed distributed across multiple locations rather than concentrated in expensive production facilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 portable system effectively identifies and corrects defects in electrochromic windows, reducing visual anomalies and extending their lifespan by enabling on-site maintenance, thus reducing replacement costs and improving performance.

Implementation Method 1

a laser focused at a focal point to a second side of the second side of the second pane to mitigate a defect in the electrochromic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a lens focused at a focal point to a second side of the second side of the second pane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

a vacuum chamber formed around the periphery of the hand-held operated portable defect mitigator to hold the portable defect mitigator against the window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS11886088B2Portable defect mitigators for electrochromic windows

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

Portable apparatus for identifying and mitigating defects in electronic devices disposed on substrates or windows are disclosed herein. Such defects can be visually perceived by the end user. The substrates or windows may include flat panel displays, photovoltaic windows, electrochromic devices, and the like, particularly electrochromic windows.