Self-Powered Dimmable Windows with Integrated Controls
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Abstract
An electrically controlled dimmable window for aircraft includes a controller and power that eliminates the need for wiring connections to on-board systems. The controller is Integrated into the sidewall in which the window is mounted. Power for controlling the window is derived from an energy harvesting device that generates power by converting thermal gradients, motion/vibration or light energy present near the window. The integrated controller includes passenger controls for adjusting the opacity of the window, power conditioning circuitry, an electrical power storage device such as a battery, a processor and a radio receiver. The window can be remotely controlled by a cabin attendant from a central controller that transmits window control signals to the radio receiver.
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Citations
61 Claims
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1-41. -41. (canceled)
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42. A dimmable window system for a vehicle, comprising:
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a sidewall panel assembly having at least one window opening; an electrically dimmable window, having a perimeter, mounted in the window opening; a photovoltaic energy harvesting device for converting ambient light into electrical power, comprising photovoltaic patches disposed around the perimeter of the dimmable window; a controller, mounted in proximity to the dimmable window, configured for controlling the opacity of the dimmable window using the electrical power produced by the energy harvesting device. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
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51. A sidewall assembly for aircraft, comprising:
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a sidewall panel; an electrically dimmable window, having a perimeter, mounted on the sidewall panel; a photovoltaic energy harvesting device, for converting ambient light into electrical power, comprising photovoltaic patches disposed around the perimeter of the dimmable window; and a control module, connected to the sidewall panel for powering and controlling the operation of the dimmable window using the electrical power produced by the energy harvesting device, the control module including an energy storage device for storing the electrical power, all wiring associated with the control module and the energy storage device being internal to the sidewall panel. - View Dependent Claims (52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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57. A self-powered, electrically dimmable window assembly for aircraft, comprising:
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a dimmable window, associated with a sidewall panel assembly, having a perimeter and having electrically controlled opacity; a photovoltaic energy harvesting device, comprising photovoltaic patches disposed around the perimeter of the dimmable window, configured for harvesting energy on-board the aircraft and converting the harvested energy to electrical power; a storage device for storing the electrical power produced by the energy harvesting device; and
,a controller for controlling the opacity of the dimmable window using the electrical power stored in the storage device, all wiring associated with powering and controlling the dimmable window being internal to the sidewall panel assembly. - View Dependent Claims (58, 59, 60, 61)
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Specification