Smart Window Sensor Integration for Intuitive Tint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart windows lack intuitive control mechanisms, are costly, and fail to account for occupant presence, leading to inefficient energy management and high costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of MEMS-based force sensors into smart windows, enabling customizable control through button-like functionality, detection of occupant presence via UWB sensors, and integration with temperature sensors for energy-efficient tint adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional windows are used without integration, then manufacturing cost is low and structure is simple, but control functionality is lacking and energy management efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent components (MEMS force sensors, UWB sensors, temperature sensors, and smart window glass) into an integrated window assembly. The sensors are mounted on or integrated with the window structure, creating a unified system that provides both structural integrity and advanced control functionality, resolving the contradiction between added adaptability and increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: the MEMS sensors detect both user input and environmental forces, the UWB sensors detect occupant presence, the temperature sensors monitor thermal conditions, and the smart glass adjusts tint accordingly. This multi-functional design adds versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity, as all components share a common mounting structure and control system.
2Ease of operation
If existing smart window systems are implemented, then tint control is available, but control intuitiveness is poor and occupant presence is not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the smart window tint based on inputs from multiple sensors (MEMS force sensors detecting touches, UWB sensors detecting occupant presence, temperature sensors detecting thermal conditions). The controller processes these inputs and autonomously determines the optimal tint state without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while the modular sensor integration keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters (user input via MEMS sensors, occupant presence via UWB sensors, temperature via temperature sensors) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the window tint. This multi-source feedback mechanism makes the control highly intuitive by responding to natural user actions and environmental conditions, while the distributed sensor architecture manages complexity through modular design.
3Use of energy by moving object
If smart window technology is deployed without environmental sensing, then device complexity is low, but energy management efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensors and UWB sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions and occupant presence in advance, allowing the control system to proactively adjust the window tint before energy inefficiency occurs. For example, the system can detect approaching occupants or rising temperatures and adjust tint preemptively, optimizing energy management while the modular sensor design keeps complexity manageable through standardized integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a smart window having a controllable tint state are disclosed. In one embodiment, a smart window includes one or more glass panels, and one or more Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)-based force sensors either integrated directly with at least one of the one or more glass panels or integrated into a mullion or transom adjacent to the one or more glass panels. In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more MEMS-based force sensors is configured to function as a button. Embodiments of method of controlling the tint state of a smart window based on an output of a MEMS-based force sensor integrated with the smart window are also disclosed.