Electric-Potential Driven Shade Coil Skew Detection and Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window technologies fail to effectively balance energy efficiency and human comfort, particularly in insulating glass units (IGUs), leading to excessive heating and cooling costs and inefficient use of daylight.
Innovation Solution
The development of electric-potential driven shades for IGUs, which include a conductive coating, a dielectric film, and a shutter with a polymer substrate and conductive coating, driven by electrostatic forces to control radiation transmission and provide privacy on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If static or passive low-emissivity coatings are used to reduce U-value, then energy efficiency is improved, but dynamic control of insulation and privacy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static low-E coatings with an electrically-driven polymer shade system that can dynamically change its state. The polymer substrate, when actuated by electrostatic forces between conductive coatings, transitions between retracted and extended positions, enabling real-time adjustment of insulation and privacy according to environmental conditions and user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by altering the physical state of the polymer shade through electrical parameter control. By applying voltage to create electrostatic forces, the system changes the position and orientation of the polymer substrate, thereby modifying the insulation properties and light transmission characteristics of the window assembly dynamically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric-potential driven shades are added to IGUs to provide dynamic control, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the drive mechanism components directly into the window assembly structure. The conductive coatings are applied to the polymer shade and to the glass substrate, with the dielectric layer positioned between them, creating a self-contained electrostatic actuation system that combines multiple functions (insulation, privacy, and actuation) into a unified assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the dielectric layer as an intermediary element between the conductive coatings. This dielectric material enables the electrostatic force generation while maintaining electrical insulation, allowing the system to achieve dynamic control without requiring direct electrical contact between the conductive surfaces, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If coil skew detection sensors are added to detect and correct coil skew, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating sensors that detect coil skew conditions and provide this information to the control system. Based on the sensor feedback, the controller adjusts the electrostatic actuation parameters or initiates correction sequences to maintain proper coil alignment and prevent operational failures, thereby improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the same electrostatic actuation mechanism to both operate the shade and to correct coil skew. The control system can reverse the electrostatic forces or adjust the timing and magnitude of actuation to automatically realign the coil, eliminating the need for separate mechanical correction mechanisms.
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 enhances energy efficiency by dynamically controlling insulation and light transmission, reducing energy waste, and improving comfort by allowing for adjustable privacy and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second conductive coatings are electrically connectable to a power source that is controllable to set up an electric potential difference and create electrostatic forces to drive the polymer substrate to the shutter closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Certain example embodiments relate to electric-potential driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. If shutter coil skew is detected, voltage(s) may be applied one or more areas of the on-glass transparent conductor to compensate for or otherwise attempt to correct the detected coil skew.