Variable Light Attenuating Device for Dynamic Window Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windows are a significant source of energy loss due to heat transfer and lack adaptability to changing weather conditions, leading to increased energy costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered variable light attenuating device using a non-polarizer based liquid crystal cell with conducting layers and a guest-host solution, capable of transitioning between clear, dark, and translucent states, controlled by voltage and powered by a photovoltaic cell, allowing for automatic or user-controlled light transmittance and diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional windows use multiple glazing, high-tech materials like aerogel, and low-E coatings to minimize heat loss, then heat loss through the window is reduced, but the window cannot adapt to changing weather conditions and still has significant energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the window's optical properties changeable through liquid crystal technology. The window can dynamically adjust its light transmission and heat transfer characteristics in response to changing weather conditions, transitioning between clear and frosted states to optimize energy efficiency adaptively rather than being fixed in a single configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical state of liquid crystal molecules through voltage control. By applying different voltages, the window changes its optical parameters (transmission, scattering, absorption) to adapt to different environmental conditions, enabling the window to respond dynamically to weather changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable light attenuating device uses liquid crystal technology with conducting layers and guest-host solution to provide clear, dark, and translucent states, then light transmission control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single window structure that can perform multiple functions: it can provide clear transmission, dark attenuation, and translucent frosted states all within one device. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple different window systems into a single adaptable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by incorporating a control system that acts as a mediator between the liquid crystal layers and the user/environmental conditions. This control system manages the complexity of coordinating multiple liquid crystal layers and guest-host solutions, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining versatile light transmission control
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the window provides a privacy mode with light scattering translucent appearance, then privacy is improved, but light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different optical properties in different regions or states of the same window material. The liquid crystal technology enables the window to locally adjust its properties, providing translucent scattering regions for privacy while maintaining clear transmission regions when needed, allowing selective privacy protection without completely blocking light
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 device reduces energy losses by dynamically adjusting light transmission and scattering, enhancing energy efficiency and providing a 'privacy' mode without the need for external power, contributing to reduced energy costs and improved building energy management.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid crystal-dye orientation alters between a low-haze low light transmitting orientation and a low-haze high light transmitting orientation in response to a first voltage supplied to the first and second conducting layers
Implementation Method 2
the liquid crystal-dye is arranged in a droplet-sized light scattering orientation in response to a second voltage supplied to the first and second conducting layers
Implementation Method 3
a photovoltaic cell configured to generate a voltage in response to light detected by the photovoltaic cell
Data Source
AI summary
A non-polarizer based variable light attenuating device includes a guest-host solution having a liquid crystal host and a guest dichroic dye disposed between first and second conducting layers provided on first and second transparent substrates. The guest-host solution has a low-haze while the guest dye orientation alters between a low light transmitting orientation and a high light transmitting orientation in response to a first voltage supplied to the first and second conducting layers. In response to a second voltage supplied to the first and second conducting layers, the guest-host solution changes to a focal conic light scattering orientation to achieve a high-haze translucent state.