Variable Position Electrode for Controllable Glazing Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated glazing units (IGUs) face challenges such as high energy consumption, costly manufacturing, questionable operating life, undesirable operating temperatures, slow response times, and incomplete darkening, particularly with the use of functional electronic layers like electrochromic materials, which also compromise optical clarity and increase power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An insulated glazing unit with a controllable radiation transmittance system featuring a conductive layer, dielectric layer, and a variable position electrode in the form of a coiled spiral roll, which unwinds to block radiation when a voltage is applied, allowing for adjustable light and heat control without the drawbacks of existing technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If Low E glass with thicker metal-based coatings is used to reduce heat loss and radiation passage, then energy conservation effectiveness is improved, but optical clarity deteriorates due to reduced light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic, movable electrode that can transition between retracted and extended positions. When extended, the electrode blocks radiation and heat; when retracted, it allows light transmission. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing both thermal protection and optical clarity at different times rather than compromising either permanently through fixed thick coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is segmented from the optical function. The movable electrode acts as a separate, independent element that can be deployed only when thermal blocking is needed, rather than permanently integrating thermal blocking materials that would continuously reduce optical clarity.
2Loss of energy
If functional electronic layers such as electrochromic layers are used to control radiation passage, then radiation blocking effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simpler mechanical/electrostatic system. The movable electrode uses basic electrostatic attraction to achieve positioning, eliminating the need for complex electrochromic layer manufacturing while achieving similar radiation blocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simpler, more cost-effective materials for the electrode compared to expensive electrochromic layers. The system achieves radiation control through a mechanically simple structure that can be manufactured using conventional processes rather than requiring specialized electronic layer deposition.
3Loss of energy
If functional electronic layers are used to block radiation, then radiation blocking is improved, but response time deteriorates due to very slow operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow electronic/chemical response mechanisms with a faster electrostatic-mechanical system. The movable electrode responds rapidly to voltage changes through electrostatic attraction, achieving quick positioning without the slow phase changes or chemical reactions inherent in electrochromic materials.
4Loss of energy
If functional electronic layers are used to control radiation, then radiation control effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or intermittent activation rather than continuous power consumption. The movable electrode is positioned only when radiation blocking is needed, and remains in position using minimal holding energy, rather than requiring continuous power input to maintain a fixed electronic state.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable electrode system uses electrostatic attraction to maintain its positioned state without requiring continuous external power. Once positioned, the electrode remains in place through electrostatic adhesion, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption required by active electronic control systems.
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 solution provides efficient energy management by reducing radiation intensity, improving manufacturing feasibility, extending operational life, and reducing power consumption, while maintaining optical clarity and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
When a voltage is applied between the first electrical lead and the second electrical lead and creates a predetermined potential difference between the fixed position electrode and the single variable position electrode, the single variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out
Implementation Method 2
A conductive layer is disposed atop the inner surface of the first glazing pane and forms a fixed position electrode. A dielectric layer is disposed atop the conductive layer.
Data Source
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AI summary
An insulated glazing unit (100) has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes (120) are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure (102). A conductive layer (322) is disposed atop the first glazing pane (320) inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric (324) is located atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode (310) is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead (132) is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead (134) is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.