Variable Light Entryway Panels for Battery-Free Door Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building entryway systems rely heavily on primary batteries for electronic devices, leading to potential power outages and user inconvenience, especially with electronic door locks, which can result in unintended locking out of individuals.
Innovation Solution
Integration of variable light transmission panels (VLTs) with the building's main power supply to power electronic devices within the door system, reducing dependence on batteries and incorporating electrochromic or liquid crystal technologies for light control and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If primary batteries are used to power electronic devices in entryway systems, then device portability and installation simplicity are improved, but power reliability and operational continuity deteriorate due to battery depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply for electronic devices with the VLT panel's electrical wiring system. The VLT panel's existing electrical connection to the building's main power supply is utilized to also power electronic door locks and other electronic devices, merging multiple power needs into a single integrated system rather than using separate battery power sources.
2Ease of manufacture
If primary batteries are used for electronic door locks, then initial cost and installation simplicity are improved, but operational reliability and user convenience deteriorate when batteries run out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the VLT panel's electrical wiring serve multiple functions: it powers the variable light transmission panel itself, electronic door locks, and potentially other electronic devices in the entryway system. This multi-functional use of a single electrical infrastructure eliminates the need for separate battery systems while maintaining installation simplicity.
3Reliability
If VLT panels are integrated with building's main power supply, then power reliability and operational continuity are improved, but system complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The VLT panel system serves itself by utilizing its own electrical wiring infrastructure to power additional electronic devices. The existing electrical connection required for the VLT panel's operation is leveraged to also provide power to electronic door locks and other devices, eliminating the need for separate wiring systems or additional power infrastructure.
4Reliability
If electronic devices are powered by building's main power supply through VLT panel wiring, then power continuity and reliability are improved, but energy consumption and electrical load on the building increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power consumption needs of the VLT panel and electronic devices into a single electrical load on the building's power supply. By merging these loads, the system utilizes the building's existing power infrastructure efficiently, avoiding the need for separate battery charging and maintenance while ensuring continuous operation of all electronic components.
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
This solution ensures continuous functionality of electronic devices in the entryway system by utilizing the building's power supply, enhancing energy efficiency, and providing reliable light control and privacy management through VLTs, while minimizing battery-related power outages.
Implementation Method 1
the VLTP changes optical transmission and color when an electric voltage is applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
The VLT panels typically use electrochromic and/or may also use liquid crystal technologies
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to variable optical transmission windows and window panels which are used for architectural applications, particularly in building entryway systems. This disclosure is directed to the use and powering of such panels in door and windows that, in part, physically open by manual or automatic sliding, tilting, pushing or rotating about the hinges, unless specifically mentioned otherwise. The doors may also have other electronic devices which provided added user functionality.