Variable Transmission Window Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable transmission windows, such as electrochromic windows, face commercial rejection due to high costs, complex construction, lower life expectancy, and challenges in mass production, as well as difficulties in providing effective control systems for vehicles, including passenger transportation, where coordinated control, power efficiency, and user-friendly interfaces are necessary.
Innovation Solution
An electrical control system comprising slave window control circuits, user input mechanisms, and a master control circuit that allows for coordinated control of multiple variable transmittance windows, includes dropout detection, power protection, and user-friendly interfaces, enabling efficient transmittance state changes and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If variable transmission windows are implemented in vehicles, then glare reduction and heat control are improved, but system complexity and control coordination become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent slave control circuits, each managing a specific window. Each slave circuit operates autonomously with its own user input mechanism and indicator lights, allowing distributed control while reducing the complexity of centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
Each slave control circuit is designed to be universal and can control any variable transmission window. The same control circuitry and user interface are used across all windows, simplifying the overall system design by eliminating the need for different control mechanisms for each window.
2Ease of operation
If multiple variable transmission windows are controlled individually, then user customization is improved, but coordinated control and power consumption become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic polling of window states by the master control circuit to determine which windows need adjustment. Instead of continuous monitoring or simultaneous control of all windows, the system periodically checks and selectively activates only the windows that require transmittance changes, reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Each slave control circuit includes indicator lights that provide visual feedback about the current transmittance state of each window. This feedback mechanism allows users to easily understand window states and makes coordinated control more intuitive, as users can see which windows are darkened and which are clear.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic materials are used for variable transmission, then transmittance control is improved, but life expectancy and degradation resistance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective measures before degradation occurs by using encapsulated electrochromic materials and protective coatings on the window surfaces. These protective layers shield the electrochromic materials from environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen that cause degradation, thereby extending the operational life of the windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic materials are enclosed in flexible encapsulation layers and thin film structures that protect them from environmental damage while maintaining their electrochromic properties. These thin film encapsulations allow the materials to change transmittance effectively while being protected from factors that would otherwise reduce their life expectancy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex control features are added to address passenger needs, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control capabilities where windows can be adjusted individually or in groups based on real-time conditions. The slave control circuits can respond to different user inputs and environmental conditions, providing multiple operational modes without requiring complex mechanical structures or additional hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized control circuit designs that can be replicated across multiple windows. By copying the same slave control circuit architecture for each window, the system achieves versatile functionality while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through repetition of proven, standardized components rather than designing unique control systems for each window.
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 system effectively manages transmittance states of multiple windows, ensures power efficiency, and provides user-friendly control, overcoming the challenges of high costs and complex construction, thus enhancing the viability of variable transmission windows in commercial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a variable transmittance window comprising an electrochromic device coupled to control circuitry for varying the transmittance of the electrochromic device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to an electrical control system for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows, comprising: a plurality of slave window control circuits each for controlling a transmittance of one or more of the plurality of variable transmittance windows; a plurality of user input mechanisms each coupled to one or more of said slave window control circuits; and a master control circuit coupled to said plurality of slave window control circuits, wherein: said master control circuit and said user input mechanisms are configured to supply transmittance state signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmittance windows to said slave window control circuits; each slave window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmittance windows in response to the transmittance state signals supplied by at least one of said master control circuit and one of said user input mechanisms; said master control circuit and slave window control circuits are configured such that when a transmittance state signal is provided to a slave window control circuit by said master control circuit, the transmittance state signal provided by said master control circuit is used by said slave window control circuit to determine the transmittance level of any variable transmittance window to which said slave window control circuit is coupled while overriding any transmittance state signal received from a user input mechanism.