Self-Powered Variable Transmittance Optical Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for variable transmittance optical filters in windows and ophthalmic devices face challenges such as high power demands, impractical size and cost of photovoltaic power sources, interference with viewability, and inadequate means for retrofitting existing buildings, particularly in scenarios where consistent light is not available for energy generation.

Innovation Solution

A self-powered variable transmittance optical device comprising a transparent substrate with switching material, electrodes, and an energy-harvesting power source that transitions between light and dark states with applied voltage, allowing for low-power operation and integration with existing windows or ophthalmic devices, including flexible substrates and energy storage components for intermittent operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If photovoltaic power sources are used to power electrochromic windows, then the device can operate autonomously, but the power source becomes impractical in size and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidpower source size

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical filter transitions to a self-service system by automatically transitioning between light and dark states in response to ambient light conditions without requiring external power sources or control systems. The filter material itself responds to UV light exposure, eliminating the need for photovoltaic power sources, wiring, and power management electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the power source component entirely from the system. By using inherently light-responsive optical filter materials that automatically transition states upon UV light exposure, the patent eliminates photovoltaic cells, batteries, and associated power management infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Extent of automation

If photovoltaic power sources are used to power electrochromic windows, then the device can operate autonomously, but the cost becomes prohibitively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Extent of automation

If photovoltaic power sources are placed on the window pane, then the device can be self-powered, but viewability is interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-powered operationVSAvoidviewability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Power

If existing building wiring is used to power optical filters, then power can be supplied, but retrofitting becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidretrofitting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

5Stability of the object's composition

If optical filters require continuous power to maintain dark state, then the window can remain darkened, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedark state maintenanceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

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 solution reduces solar heat gain and cooling loads in buildings, provides glare reduction, and enables portable, low-power operation of ophthalmic devices, while allowing for easy retrofitting and efficient energy harvesting from various light sources, including UV light.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

an energy-harvesting power source that transitions between light and dark states with applied voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10139695B2Variable transmittance optical devices

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 SOLUTIA CANADA INC

AI summary

A self-powered variable transmittance optical device, such as a smart window or other device, and associated method are provided. The device comprises one or more transparent substrates, with a switching material disposed thereon or therebetween. The switching material may be a hybrid photochromic/electrochromic material capable of transitioning from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state with application of electricity, and from second state to first state due to another stimulus, such as UV radiation. Electrodes are coupled to the switching material for applying electricity. An electrical system provides for controllable application of the electricity, and may store energy. Energy is provided by an energy-harvesting power source such as a solar cell or other photovoltaic source, or array thereof, or another device for harvesting vibrational or thermal energy. Energy harvesting, energy storage capacity and/or switching material may be configured to provide at least a predetermined level of device operability.