Smart Window Light Guide Plate Ambient Light Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart windows lack the ability to adjust ambient light levels effectively, restricting their functionality in managing indoor light intensity and privacy, as they either block external views entirely or fail to regulate light sufficiently based on outdoor conditions.
Innovation Solution
A smart window system with an ambient light adjustment apparatus featuring a light guide plate, light sources mounted on edges, a light blocking layer, and a controller that adjusts light characteristics such as intensity, wavelength, and polarization to match indoor light conditions, allowing for customizable light control and privacy settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a smart window blocks external heat and serves as a display, then energy saving and privacy protection are improved, but the ability to see out and adjust ambient light is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The smart window is divided into multiple independently controllable light blocking layers, each capable of selective light transmission. This segmentation allows different regions or layers to perform different functions - some blocking heat while others maintain visibility or provide display capabilities, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy saving and ambient light adjustment versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart window employs dynamically adjustable light blocking layers that can change their light transmission properties in real-time based on environmental conditions and user needs. This dynamic control enables the window to transition between blocking mode for energy saving and transparent mode for ambient light adjustment, achieving both energy efficiency and adaptability.
2Loss of energy
If a smart window blocks external heat in summer, then energy saving is improved, but the ability to see out is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The window structure is segmented into multiple light blocking layers with different transmission characteristics. During summer, certain layers can be activated to block heat while others remain transparent, allowing selective heat blocking without complete loss of visibility. This enables the window to maintain both energy saving and viewing capabilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions or layers of the smart window are assigned different light blocking and transmission properties. Local areas can be optimized for heat blocking while other areas maintain transparency for visibility. This local differentiation allows the window to provide both heat blocking and viewing functions in different zones, resolving the contradiction between energy saving and illumination intensity.
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
Enables dynamic adjustment of indoor ambient light characteristics, enhancing energy efficiency and privacy by allowing partial or complete light blocking, ensuring optimal lighting conditions and maintaining visibility as needed.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source... The controller controls light characteristics, e.g. intensity, wavelength, polarization and/or colour temperature of the light source
Implementation Method 2
The controller controls... light blockage levels of the light blocking layer
Data Source
AI summary
An ambient light adjustment (ALA) apparatus, a method and a system therewith are proposed. The ALA apparatus includes a main body having a plurality of edges, one or more light sources, a light blocking layer and a controller. The light source is mounted on at least one edge of the ALA apparatus. The main body comprises at least one light guide plate. The light blocking layer is disposed over a surface of the main body. The controller is coupled to the light source and the light blocking layer. The ALA apparatus further comprises at least one sensor coupled to the controller. The controller controls the light characteristics of the light source and/or the light blockage levels of the light blocking layer to adjust ambient light characteristics, according to a sensed result by the sensor or sensors.