Variable Transmittance Window Assembly with Electro-Optic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window assemblies lack the ability to dynamically control transmittance states, which is essential for optimizing light transmission in various environments such as vehicles, where flexibility in light exposure is required for comfort and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A variable transmittance window assembly incorporating an electro-optic medium between substrates with transparent electrode coatings, controlled by a controller and an interface that allows users to adjust the transmittance state through a display and capacitive touch sensors, enabling dynamic changes between clear, dimmed, and darkened states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a window assembly uses a fixed transmittance state, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot dynamically optimize light transmission for different environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly incorporates an electro-optic medium that can dynamically change its transmittance state between clear and darkened conditions. This allows the window to adapt to different environmental conditions and user preferences, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system that responds to changing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optic medium changes its optical parameters (transmittance) in response to applied voltage. By controlling the voltage applied to the electrode coatings, the window can transition between different transmittance states, enabling dynamic optimization of light transmission without mechanical moving parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electro-optic medium is added to enable dynamic transmittance control, then light transmission optimization is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a window pane and a controllable optical filter. The same structure provides structural support, sealing, and dynamic transmittance control, reducing the need for separate components and potentially simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly uses composite structures including electro-optic medium between substrates with transparent electrode coatings. This composite approach integrates multiple functional layers into a single assembly that can be manufactured as a unified component, reducing assembly steps and improving ease of manufacture.
3Extent of automation
If transparent electrode coatings are applied on both surfaces of substrates, then electro-optic control is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent electrode coatings are applied locally on the inner surfaces of the substrates that will be in contact with the electro-optic medium. This localized application reduces the overall complexity compared to coating entire surfaces, and allows for precise application only where electric field control is needed, thereby managing manufacturing precision requirements.
4Ease of operation
If a controller and interface are added to adjust transmittance state, then user comfort and energy efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system allows users to independently adjust the transmittance state according to their comfort preferences and environmental conditions. The interface provides self-service functionality where occupants can control their own window settings without requiring external assistance, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping the control system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface provides visual feedback through icons that illustrate the selected transmittance state, helping users understand the current window condition and make informed adjustment decisions. This feedback mechanism simplifies the user experience by providing clear information about the system state without adding significant complexity to the control architecture.
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 users to selectively control light transmission, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency by allowing adjustment of light levels based on user preference and environmental conditions, while improving the reliability of the electro-optic assembly through thermal management and structural support.
Implementation Method 1
A variable transmittance window assembly incorporating an electro-optic medium between substrates with transparent electrode coatings, controlled by a controller and an interface that allows users to adjust the transmittance state
Data Source
AI summary
A window assembly includes an electro-optic assembly that includes a first substrate that defines first and second surfaces, a second substrate that defines third and fourth surfaces, and a seal disposed about a periphery of the first and second substrates. The seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define a chamber therebetween. A transparent electrode coating is disposed on each of the second surface and the third surface and an electro-optic medium is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A controller is operably coupled with the transparent electrode coating on the second surface and the transparent electrode coating on the third surface and is configured to change a transmittance state of the electro-optic medium. An interface is operably coupled with the controller and allows adjustment of the transmittance state of the electro-optic medium. The interface includes a display that illustrates a selected transmittance state.