Variable Transmittance Window for Dynamic Glare and Visibility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional moving means with constant transmittance windows face issues such as difficulty in nighttime visibility due to low light conditions and daytime glare, as the transmittance is fixed and cannot be adjusted according to environmental lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A transmittance variable window comprising a first and second substrate with electrodes, alignment layers, a liquid crystal layer, and polarizing plates, where the transmittance can be adjusted by varying the potential difference applied between the electrodes, allowing the window to change between minimum and maximum transmittance based on the ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the overall transmittance is set low, then daytime glare is reduced, but nighttime visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a liquid crystal layer that can dynamically change its transmittance properties based on applied voltage. When voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules reorient, changing the optical properties of the window from a low-transmittance state (reducing daytime glare) to a high-transmittance state (improving nighttime visibility). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the window to optimize for different lighting conditions rather than being fixed at a single transmittance level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmittance parameter of the window by controlling the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer. By adjusting this electrical parameter, the optical transmittance is modified to suit different environmental conditions - lower transmittance during daytime to reduce glare, and higher transmittance during nighttime to improve visibility. This parameter control mechanism directly addresses the contradiction between reducing glare and maintaining visibility.
2Illumination intensity
If the overall transmittance is set high, then nighttime visibility is improved, but daytime glare increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal-based window system dynamically adjusts its transmittance based on operational requirements. In nighttime conditions, the system maintains a high-transmittance state to maximize visibility, while during daytime, it switches to a low-transmittance state to minimize glare. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need to choose between the two opposing requirements, as the system adapts to current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes voltage-controlled parameter changes in the liquid crystal layer to modulate transmittance. By varying the applied voltage, the system can precisely control the transmittance level - maintaining high transmittance when nighttime visibility is needed and reducing transmittance when daytime glare becomes problematic. This continuous parameter adjustment capability resolves the contradiction effectively.
3Ease of manufacture
If a constant transmittance coating is applied, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different lighting conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of glass substrates, liquid crystal layer, alignment layers, electrodes, and polarizing plates. This composite material system combines the simplicity of conventional glass manufacturing with the adaptive properties of liquid crystal technology. The liquid crystal layer is integrated between the glass substrates, maintaining ease of manufacturing through established processes while adding the capability to adapt transmittance to different lighting conditions through voltage control.
Solution Approach 2:
The window system performs multiple functions: it serves as a basic transparent barrier like conventional windows, while simultaneously providing adaptive transmittance control for different lighting conditions. The liquid crystal layer adds this additional functionality without fundamentally complicating the manufacturing process, as it integrates into the existing glass sandwich structure. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
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 transmittance variable window enhances user convenience by optimizing visibility in varying light conditions, reducing glare during the day and improving nighttime visibility, while minimizing power consumption by setting the initial transmittance to the required level, thus reducing overall power usage.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer
Implementation Method 2
a transmittance defined as a ratio of the intensity of the transmitting light to the intensity of the incidence light varies between a minimum transmittance and a maximum transmittance as V changes
Implementation Method 3
a first polarizing plate disposed on a surface of the first substrate, the surface facing away from the second substrate; and a second polarizing plate disposed on a surface of the second substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a transmittance variable window that maximizes user convenience and a moving means including the same including a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; a first electrode and a first alignment layer sequentially stacked on a surface of the first substrate, the surface facing the second substrate; a second electrode and a second alignment layer sequentially stacked on a surface of the second substrate, the surface facing the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer; a first polarizing plate disposed on a surface of the first substrate, the surface facing away from the second substrate; and a second polarizing plate disposed on a surface of the second substrate, the surface facing away from the first substrate, wherein if a potential difference applied between the first electrode and the second electrode is V, considering an incidence light incident on any one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate and a transmitting light passing through the other one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate, a transmittance defined as a ratio of the intensity of the transmitting light to the intensity of the incidence light varies between a minimum transmittance and a maximum transmittance as V changes, and an initial transmittance when V is 0 is greater than the minimum transmittance and less than the maximum transmittance.