Stretchable Transparency Film With Oriented Scattering Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-modulating technologies, such as electrochromic and photochromic devices, face issues with complexity, cost, compatibility with window systems, durability, and limited applications due to their reliance on electrical signals, chemical changes, and slow reaction rates, while stretchable optical films with two-dimensional structures suffer from poor optical modulation and environmental sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable transparency-adjusting film with a three-dimensional network structure, comprising an inner and outer elastomer and an inorganic thin film, where the scattering units are oriented in an inclined direction, allowing for efficient light scattering and transparency adjustment through mechanical deformation, and a method for manufacturing this film using phase masks and atomic layer deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a three-dimensional scattering structure is used to improve light-scattering efficiency, then optical modulation performance is improved, but the film requires large tensile force and is difficult to achieve high uniformity over large area
Solution Approach 1:
The film is divided into multiple scattering units, each comprising an inner elastic part, inorganic thin film, and outer elastic part. These segmented scattering units are arranged in a regular pattern, allowing the film to achieve high light-scattering efficiency while maintaining uniformity over large areas through modular replication of identical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Each scattering unit has a specific local structure with the inorganic thin film positioned between inner and outer elastic parts. This localized structural design ensures consistent optical properties across the entire film while allowing the overall film to achieve high scattering efficiency through the collective effect of multiple identical units.
2Ease of manufacture
If a two-dimensional structure is used for the stretchable optical film, then the film is simple to manufacture, but optical modulation performance is poor due to low optical density of scattering structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional scattering structure to a three-dimensional scattering structure by introducing the inorganic thin film as a distinct layer between the inner and outer elastic parts. This third dimension increases the optical density and scattering efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through established thin film deposition techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The scattering unit combines multiple materials with different properties: inner elastic part (first elastomer), inorganic thin film (second material with different refractive index), and outer elastic part (second elastomer). This composite structure achieves high optical modulation performance by leveraging the optical contrast between different materials while maintaining mechanical flexibility.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional electrochromic or suspended particle devices are used, then transparency control is achieved, but the devices have complicated configurations and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The film utilizes the inherent mechanical deformation of the elastomer parts when stretched or relaxed to automatically control transparency. The scattering units expand or contract based on the applied strain, eliminating the need for external electrical signals, control systems, or complex configurations. This self-regulating mechanism achieves transparency control while maintaining simplicity and low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical control systems (electrochromic devices) or complex mechanical systems (suspended particle devices) with a simple mechanical deformation-based system. The transparency control is achieved through the mechanical stretching and relaxing of the elastomer, which directly modulates the scattering structure without requiring external energy sources or complex control 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
The film achieves high light-scattering efficiency and transparency control with less strain, maintaining performance across varying environments and enabling the creation of smart windows that adapt to external conditions.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a transparency by using a scattering phenomenon of light due to a difference between a refractive index of the scattering structure and a refractive index of an external medium
Implementation Method 2
a scattering structure is formed on a surface of a stretchable elastomer... using a light scattering phenomenon at a structural interface
Implementation Method 3
a stretchable optical film capable of adjusting a transparency depending on a strain... When a stretchable optical film has a two-dimensional structure
Data Source
AI summary
A stretchable transparency-adjusting film includes an inner elastic part having a three-dimensional network shape and including a first elastomer, an inorganic thin film surrounding the inner elastic part, and an outer elastic part surrounding the inorganic thin film and including a second elastomer. A scattering unit defined by the inner elastic part, the inorganic thin film and the outer elastic part in a cross-section is orientated in an inclined direction to a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.