Reverse-Control Dimming Glass for Fail-Safe Transparency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dimming glass technologies using PDLC, photochromic, or thermochromic materials face issues with sudden power loss causing non-transparent states and inability to turn dimming functions on or off based on usage scenarios, posing safety concerns and operational limitations.

Innovation Solution

An electric control glass device with a reverse electric control glass assembly and controller that switches between transparent and non-transparent states based on power on/off states and ambient light conditions, utilizing a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) dimming film and a solar energy conversion device for power supply, allowing manual or automatic control of haziness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If PDLC dimming film is used in dimming glass, then the dimming function can be achieved, but when power is suddenly lost the glass remains non-transparent causing safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimming functionVSAvoidsafety during power loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional PDLC behavior by using PNLC material that defaults to transparent state when power is lost, rather than remaining non-transparent. This reverse electric control ensures safety during power loss while maintaining dimming functionality when powered, directly resolving the safety concern without sacrificing manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter response of the liquid crystal material from PDLC to PNLC type, where the haziness parameter reverses its response to electrical signals. This parameter change allows the glass to be transparent during power loss while maintaining dimming capability when powered, resolving the safety issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If photochromic or thermochromic materials are used as dimming layer, then automatic adjustment to ambient conditions is achieved, but the dimming function cannot be turned on or off according to usage scenario

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic adjustment to ambient light/temperatureVSAvoidmanual control of dimming function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic system where the dimming glass can adapt to ambient conditions through the controller while also allowing manual override. The system transitions from static photochromic/thermochromic behavior to a dynamic electrically-controlled system with adaptive capabilities, enabling both automatic adjustment and manual on/off control based on usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a controller that can detect ambient light conditions and provide feedback-based automatic control, while also accepting manual user input. This feedback mechanism enables the glass to automatically adjust to ambient conditions when needed, while still allowing users to turn the dimming function on or off according to specific usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If PDLC dimming film is used, then dimming function is achieved, but sunlight cannot fully pass through when non-transparent state is activated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimming capabilityVSAvoidsunlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the light transmission behavior by using PNLC material where the transparent state (allowing full sunlight passage) is the default when power is lost, rather than the non-transparent state. This resolves the issue of blocked sunlight during power loss while maintaining effective dimming capability when the system is powered and actively controlling haziness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Ensures safety by maintaining transparency during power loss and enabling adaptive dimming based on ambient light or power generation intensity, reducing safety risks and enhancing user control over glass haziness.

Implementation Method 1

The PDLC dimming layer changes haziness of the dimming glass according to changes in electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal electro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

a solar energy conversion device for power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250347944A1Electric control glass device and vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

An electric control glass device includes a reverse electric control glass assembly and a controller. The reverse electric control glass assembly includes reverse electric control glass. The reverse electric control glass maintains in a non-transparent state when receiving electrical signals, and maintains in a transparent state when receiving no electrical signal. The controller is electrically connected to the reverse electric control glass and configured for controlling the reverse electric control glass to be in a power on state or a power off state. When the controller controls the reverse electric control glass to be the power on state, the reverse electric control glass receives the electrical signals to maintain in the non-transparent state. When the controller controls the reverse electric control glass to be the power off state, the reverse electric control glass receives no electrical signal to maintain transparent.