Tunable Electro-Optic Window Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variably transmissive windows require significant changes in electro-optic medium compositions and substrate spacings to achieve different dynamic ranges, leading to increased research and development costs and manufacturing complexities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tunable tuning layer, such as metal or metal oxide, between the substrates and electro-optic medium to adjust the transmittance of visible light without altering the window's construction, allowing for a range of dynamic ranges from 70% to 45% attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different dynamic ranges are achieved by changing electro-optic medium compositions and substrate spacings, then the desired transmittance range is obtained, but manufacturing complexity and R&D costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a tuning layer with variable optical properties (absorption coefficient, thickness, material composition) to adjust the dynamic range of the electrochromic window. Instead of changing the electro-optic medium composition or substrate spacings, the invention modifies the optical parameters of the tuning layer to achieve different dynamic ranges while keeping the core window structure unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the optical control function by separating the dynamic range adjustment from the electrochromic modulation. The tuning layer acts as an independent segment that pre-attenuates light before it reaches the electro-optic medium, allowing the electrochromic layer to focus solely on variable transmittance control without needing to accommodate different dynamic range requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different dynamic ranges are achieved by altering window construction, then transmittance range is adjusted, but manufacturing costs and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tuning layer serves multiple functions: it attenuates visible light to adjust dynamic range, maintains structural integrity of the window assembly, and works compatibly with existing electro-optic media. This multi-functional design allows a single construction modification to address dynamic range requirements across different applications without requiring separate manufacturing processes for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tuning layer can be implemented as a thin-film coating or removable component that is relatively inexpensive to produce and adjust. By using materials such as metal oxides, semiconductors, or organic compounds that can be deposited as thin layers, the invention enables dynamic range adjustment without investing in expensive custom electro-optic medium formulations or precision substrate spacing mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tuning layer is added to adjust transmittance, then dynamic range is tunable, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tuning layer acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the electro-optic medium. It pre-processes the incident light by attenuating it according to the desired dynamic range before the light reaches the electrochromic layer. This intermediary function allows the electro-optic medium to operate within its optimal transmittance range while achieving different overall dynamic ranges through the tuning layer's optical properties.
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 an easily tunable dynamic range with reduced manufacturing costs and improved transmittance uniformity across the window, while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes and electro-optic media, and reducing reflectance and sheet resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-optic medium may be operable to vary a transmittance of light therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The tuning layer may be substantially transparent and operable to attenuate the transmittance of visible light therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A variably transmissive electro-optic window that has an easily tunable dynamic range is disclosed. The window comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, an electro-optic medium, and at least one tuning layer. The first substrate has a first and a second surface. The first surface is in a first direction relative the second surface. The second substrate has a third and a fourth surface. The third surface is disposed in the first direction relative the fourth surface. The second substrate is disposed in a second direction opposite the first direction relative the first substrate. The second substrate is additionally disposed in a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship with the first substrate. The first electrode is disposed in the second direction relative the first substrate. The second electrode is disposed in the first direction relative the second substrate. The electro-optic medium is disposed between the first and second electrodes. Additionally, the electro-optic medium is operable to vary a transmittance of light therethrough. Lastly, a tuning layer is substantially transparent and operable to attenuate the transmittance of visible light therethrough.