Spectrally Controllable Light Valve for Window Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current windows and window controls are limited in regulating sunlight and external light, failing to effectively modulate spatial, directional, angular, temporal, or spectral variations of lighting within environments.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electronic light valve or electrically controllable device in windows or light passages to control the transmission of external light, using a control system that interprets light control information to manage spatial, temporal, and spectral characteristics of light, employing technologies similar to LCD or reflective display technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional windows and window controls are used, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the capability to regulate spatial, directional, angular, temporal, or spectral variation of lighting is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light valve divides the spectral spectrum into multiple independent wavelength bands (e.g., blue, cyan, green, yellow, orange, red) and controls each band separately through distinct liquid crystal layers or filters. This segmentation enables independent modulation of different spectral components, achieving sophisticated spectral control while maintaining a manageable layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light valve integrates multiple functions into a single device: it simultaneously controls spatial distribution, directional transmission, angular characteristics, temporal variations, and spectral composition of light. This multi-functional integration replaces the need for multiple separate window control systems, achieving versatile light regulation.
2Measurement precision
If an electronic light valve with multiple spectral bands is implemented, then spectral control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light valve divides the spectral spectrum into multiple independent wavelength bands (e.g., blue, cyan, green, yellow, orange, red) and controls each band separately through distinct liquid crystal layers or filters. This segmentation enables independent modulation of different spectral components, achieving sophisticated spectral control while maintaining a manageable layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light valve employs a nested layered structure where multiple functional layers (transparent substrates, liquid crystal layers, color filters, electrodes) are stacked within a compact package. Each layer performs a specific spectral or spatial function, and the nested arrangement allows complex spectral control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 precise control of lighting within environments by independently modulating multiple spectral bands of sunlight, allowing for tailored illumination that can adapt to various conditions and user preferences, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The light valve may include a plurality of spectral filters, each filter having a different spectral transmission characteristic. The light valve may independently modulate transmission of different wavelength bands of light from a light source such as the sun
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include: a light valve exposed to incident light from an external light source. The light valve may independently modulate multiple wavelength bands of the incident light that are transmitted through the light valve and into an environment that the system illuminates. A control system can operate the light valve to control a spectral distribution of light transmitted through the light valve.