Variable-Transparency Pane Assembly With Movable Fluid Partition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for variable optical transparency in building elements, such as windows and doors, lack flexibility and effectiveness in providing privacy and aesthetic lighting, often relying on fixed mechanisms or inefficient fluid introduction methods.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising optically transparent panes with a movable separating device and integrated lighting, using LEDs or lasers, allows for adjustable optical transparency through fog, gas, or liquid introduction and removal, enhanced by a control system for precise transparency regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed mechanism is used for variable optical transparency, then the device structure is simple, but the flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in providing privacyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable separating device that can dynamically divide the intermediate space into different regions, allowing the optical transparency to be varied in different zones independently. This dynamic structure enables flexible privacy control without requiring complete system redesign, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate space is segmented into multiple regions by the movable separating device, with each region capable of having different optical properties. This segmentation allows independent control of transparency in different zones, providing flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If fluid introduction methods are used to change optical transparency, then the aesthetic lighting effect is improved, but the energy consumption and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic lighting effectVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the light from the lighting device itself to illuminate the introduced fluid (fog, gas, or liquid), making the fluid act as a light-diffusing medium rather than requiring separate illumination sources. This self-service approach enhances aesthetic lighting effects while minimizing additional energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces colored fluids or uses colored lighting to create aesthetic lighting effects. The interaction between the introduced fluid and the lighting device produces visually appealing color effects and light diffusion, improving the aesthetic lighting effect without requiring complex additional systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a movable separating device is introduced to adjust the intermediate space, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of intermediate spaceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable separating device serves multiple functions: it divides the intermediate space into different regions, acts as a barrier for fluid introduction, and can be integrated with lighting devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maximizing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If integrated lighting devices are added to the component, then the aesthetic lighting effect is improved, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic lighting capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is merged with the separating device or the pane structure, integrating the illumination function into existing components. This merging approach provides aesthetic lighting capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by avoiding separate, standalone lighting systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 flexible visual protection and aesthetic lighting effects, improving privacy and visibility by dynamically altering light passage, enhancing safety and design versatility.

Implementation Method 1

The lighting device preferably comprises one or more LEDs, one or more lasers, or other means for illuminating at least the interior of the first intermediate space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The lighting device preferably comprises one or more LEDs, one or more lasers, or other means for illuminating at least the interior of the first intermediate space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 3

a suction device (18) for removing the fog, the gas, or the liquid from the intermediate space (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4097325B1Component having an intermediate space with changeable optical transparency
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 DEMIRCAN ZIYA
  • EP4097325B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4097325B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a component (10) having a first optically transparent pane (11) and a second pane (12), in particular a second optically transparent pane (12), said first pane (11) and said second pane (12) being spaced apart from one another at least in some regions by means of an intermediate space (13). The component further comprises: a separating device (24) which divides the intermediate space (13) into a first intermediate space region (14) and a second intermediate space region (15); an introduction device (17) for introducing mist, an in particular coloured gas which changes the passage of light at least through the first intermediate space region (14), or an in particular coloured liquid which changes the passage of light at least through the first intermediate space region (14), at least in the first intermediate space region (14); and a means (18) for removing the mist, the liquid or the gas at least from the first intermediate space region (14). In addition, the component (10) further comprises an illuminating device (16) for illuminating at least the interior of the first intermediate space region (14) and/or the separating device (24) is movable.