Window Assembly Slats Voltage Control Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window assemblies with slats between transparent layers are complex to manufacture and maintain due to the need for intricate electrode wiring and vacuum or low-pressure sealing, which complicates access and replacement of slats.
Innovation Solution
A window assembly with conductive adhesive layers and slats that are movable between parallel and perpendicular positions using a voltage difference, allowing for easy assembly, maintenance, and replacement without the need for conductive coatings or hermetic sealing, and featuring a releasable added window for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex electrode wiring and hermetic sealing are used in window assemblies with slats, then the slats can be controlled to move between positions, but the manufacturing complexity and maintenance difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is divided into separate modules: a first window with a first conductive layer, an added window with a second conductive layer, and slats positioned between them. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and assembly of components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining slat control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hermetic sealing requirement from the design by using a releasably connected added window that can be removed for maintenance. This eliminates the need for complex hermetic sealing while still enabling slat position control through the conductive layers and voltage source.
2Reliability
If hermetic sealing is implemented in window assemblies with slats, then the internal environment can be maintained, but access for maintenance and replacement of slats becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The added window is designed with dynamic connectivity - it can be connected to the first window during operation to maintain the internal environment, and disconnected when maintenance is needed. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between sealed and accessible states.
Solution Approach 2:
The added window is pre-configured with a release mechanism that allows it to be removed before maintenance is needed. This preliminary preparation enables easy access to slats for maintenance and replacement without requiring complex disassembly procedures.
3Reliability
If conductive coatings are applied to windows and milled away at edges, then electrical breakdowns can be avoided, but manufacturing time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying conductive coatings to the entire window surface, the patent segments the conductive elements into separate layers adhered to the window surfaces. The first conductive layer is adhered to the first window and the second conductive layer to the added window, eliminating the need for edge milling while maintaining electrical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adhesive layers as intermediaries between the conductive layers and the window surfaces. These adhesive layers provide both mechanical attachment and electrical insulation, eliminating the need for conductive coatings on the window edges and reducing manufacturing complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If adhesive layers are used instead of conductive coatings, then edge milling is not needed, but the assembly time at the location must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The first conductive layer and second conductive layer are prepared and manufactured in advance with their adhesive surfaces ready for attachment. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly at the location by simply adhering the pre-prepared layers to the window and added window surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the conductive layer and adhesive layer into a single integrated component assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate steps of applying conductive coatings and then adhering them, reducing assembly time while maintaining the benefits of adhesive-based attachment.
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
This solution simplifies the manufacturing and maintenance of window assemblies by eliminating the need for complex electrode wiring and hermetic sealing, reducing assembly time and costs, while enabling easy access and replacement of slats for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the first layer and the second layer are connectable to a voltage source for applying a voltage difference between the first layer and the second layer, such that the slats are movable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A window assembly with slats, including a first window, defining a surface; a first layer, conductive and adhered to a first side of the first window; an added window, connected to the first window at the first side, extending parallel to the first window; wherein a second layer is adhered to the added window, the second layer being conductive and adhered to a first side of the added window; and wherein the first layer or the second layer includes slats which are conductive and movable between a first position in which the slats extend substantially parallel to the surface, and a second position in which the slats are oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface; and wherein the first layer and the second layer are connectable to a voltage source for applying a voltage difference between the first layer and the second layer, such that the slats are movable.