Switchable Optical Window With Frame-Free Opaque Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart windows with switchable optical elements suffer from frame borders that obscure parts of the element, which are sensitive to degradation or aesthetically unattractive, such as sealants and electrical connectors.
Innovation Solution
A switchable optical window design where transparent sheets with non-transparent sections cover the sensitive or unattractive parts of the switchable optical elements, while maintaining the functionality of the elements, using transparent electrodes to control the switching layer without patterning, and attaching the elements between transparent substrates with non-transparent sections on inward-facing surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mounting frame is used to obscure sensitive or unattractive parts of the switchable optical element, then protection and aesthetic appearance are improved, but device complexity and loss of transparent area are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective function with the transparent substrate by integrating non-transparent sections directly into the substrate structure. These sections are formed as part of the substrate itself rather than as separate mounting frame components, thereby protecting sensitive areas while eliminating the need for additional mounting frame structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the protective function from the mounting frame and relocates it to the substrate. By forming non-transparent sections directly in the substrate, the solution removes the need for separate mounting frame components while maintaining the protective function for sensitive areas of the switchable optical element.
2Shape
If a mounting frame is used to hide sealants and electrical connectors, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the transparent area and productivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-transparent sections only in specific areas of the substrate where sensitive components are located. Rather than using a complete mounting frame that would obscure the entire perimeter, the solution selectively applies non-transparent regions only where needed, preserving maximum transparent area while achieving aesthetic improvement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the coating is applied over the full surface area of the glass sheet, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the optical properties and aesthetic appeal are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the substrate into distinct transparent and non-transparent sections. The non-transparent sections are formed only in specific areas where sensitive components are located, while the remaining areas maintain full transparency. This segmentation allows the coating process to be simplified (applying coating over full surface) while maintaining optical properties in transparent areas.
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
Protects sensitive parts from light degradation and hides unattractive areas without the need for a mounting frame, ensuring high transparency and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
Liquid crystal based devices employ a change in the orientation of liquid crystal molecules between two conductive electrodes by applying an electric field which results in a change of their transmittance
Implementation Method 2
devices based on electrochromism, liquid crystal devices and electrophoretic or suspended-particle devices
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A switchable optical window(10) comprising at least one sheet (14, 14') and at least one switchable optical element(12) is provided. The at least one switchable optical element (12) comprises in this order a first substrate layer(20), a switching layer (22) and a second substrate layer (24). The at least one switchable optical element (1) has a first portion (30) and a second portion(32),wherein the optical properties of the second portion (32) may be changed by switching the switching layer(22)of the at least one switchable optical element (12) into one of at least two different states and wherein the first portion (30) is not affected by switching of the switching layer(22).A front sheet (14), the first substrate layer (20), the switching layer (22), the second substrate layer (24) and optionally a back sheet (14') are stacked in this order and arranged parallel to each other.Further, the front sheet (14) and the back sheet (14'), if present,each have at least one first section (40) which is non-transparent and/or opaque and at least one second section (42) which is clear and transparent, wherein the at least one first section (40) of the front sheet (14) covers the first portion (30) of the at least one switchable optical element(12) when the switchable optical window (10) is viewed from a front side and wherein the at least one first section (40) of the back sheet (14'), if present,covers the first portion (30) of the at least one switchable optical element (12) when viewed from a back side of the switchable optical window (10). Further aspects of the invention relate to a method forproducing such a switchable optical window(10).