Smart Glass Wireless Power Control for Wiring-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing a large number of wires for controlling electrically switchable glass panes is challenging due to labeling and routing complexities, making it difficult for installers to associate control output lines with specific panes, especially in existing structures, and locating wiring faults is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless control system with integrated power receiving devices and batteries, including solar power, to enable independent and self-powered operation of electrically switchable glass panes, reducing the need for extensive wiring and allowing for easier installation and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired control system is used to control electrically switchable glass panes, then reliable control can be achieved, but wire management becomes complex and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Controllers communicate with the central control system via wireless signals (such as radio frequency), eliminating the need for physical wire connections between each controller and the control system while maintaining reliable control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication signals as an intermediary medium to transmit control commands and data between controllers and the central control system, replacing the direct physical wire connection with an intermediate wireless transmission channel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous wires are routed to each pane location, then individual pane control is enabled, but labeling and routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical wiring infrastructure with wireless communication, where each controller independently communicates with the central system via wireless signals, eliminating the need for extensive wire routing and labeling while maintaining individual pane control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system into independent wireless controllers for each pane, where each controller operates autonomously and communicates individually with the central system, eliminating the need for a centralized wired infrastructure.
3Reliability
If traditional wiring is used in existing structures, then control functionality is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming physical wire installation and routing work with wireless communication setup, which can be configured rapidly without structural modifications, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining control functionality in existing buildings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-configured wireless controllers that can be quickly deployed and paired with the central system, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site wire routing and connection work.
4Reliability
If extensive wiring is installed for fault detection, then system monitoring is possible, but locating wiring faults becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical wire-based monitoring with wireless communication monitoring, where controllers transmit status and diagnostic data wirelessly to the central system, enabling easy identification of faulty units through software-based diagnostics without physical inspection of wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements wireless feedback mechanisms where controllers continuously report their operational status, battery level, and diagnostic information to the central system, enabling real-time monitoring and rapid fault identification without physical wire tracing.
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 wireless control system simplifies the installation and operation of electrically switchable glass by eliminating the complexity of wire management, reducing installation time and costs, and providing a more efficient method for fault detection and power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The pane may include a battery configured to supply electrical power to the pane and at least one other pane via the first electronic link and the second electronic link
Implementation Method 2
Implementing a wireless control system with integrated power receiving devices and batteries, including solar power
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic (EC) device is provided. The EC includes an electrical channel for providing electrical communication with at least one other EC device. The EC device also includes a battery configured to supply electrical power to the EC device and the at least one other EC device via the electrical channel. The EC device further includes a controller configured to control the battery to supply electrical power to at least one of the EC device or the other EC device.