Variable transmittance optical devices
First Claim
1. A device comprising:
- a) a variable transmittance optical filter comprising;
i. a first substantially transparent substrate, comprising a first electrode;
ii. a second substantially transparent substrate comprising a second electrode;
iii. a switching material disposed between, and operatively coupled to, the first and second electrodes, the switching material transitionable from a first light transmittance state to a second light transmittance state with application of voltage to the switching material, and transitionable from the second light transmittance state to the first light transmittance state with application of a non-electrical stimulus;
b) an energy harvesting power source; and
c) an electrical system configured to receive power from the power source and to provide a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A self-powered variable transmittance optical device, such as a smart window or other device, and associated method are provided. The device comprises one or more transparent substrates, with a switching material disposed thereon or therebetween. The switching material may be a hybrid photochromic/electrochromic material capable of transitioning from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state with application of electricity, and from second state to first state due to another stimulus, such as UV radiation. Electrodes are coupled to the switching material for applying electricity. An electrical system provides for controllable application of the electricity, and may store energy. Energy is provided by an energy-harvesting power source such as a solar cell or other photovoltaic source, or array thereof, or another device for harvesting vibrational or thermal energy. Energy harvesting, energy storage capacity and/or switching material may be configured to provide at least a predetermined level of device operability.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A device comprising:
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a) a variable transmittance optical filter comprising; i. a first substantially transparent substrate, comprising a first electrode; ii. a second substantially transparent substrate comprising a second electrode; iii. a switching material disposed between, and operatively coupled to, the first and second electrodes, the switching material transitionable from a first light transmittance state to a second light transmittance state with application of voltage to the switching material, and transitionable from the second light transmittance state to the first light transmittance state with application of a non-electrical stimulus; b) an energy harvesting power source; and c) an electrical system configured to receive power from the power source and to provide a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A window comprising:
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a) a pane having a variable transmittance optical filter disposed on a first side, comprising; i a first substantially transparent substrate, comprising a first electrode; ii a second substantially transparent substrate comprising a second electrode; and iii a switching material disposed between, and operatively coupled to, the first and second electrodes, the switching material transitionable from a first light transmittance state to a second light transmittance state with application of voltage to the switching material, and transitionable from the second light transmittance state to the first light transmittance state with application of a non-electrical stimulus; b) an electrical system configured to receive power from an energy harvesting power source and provide a voltage to the first and second electrodes of the variable transmittance optical filter; and c) a first frame surrounding the pane, the first frame configured for slidable mounting within a second frame, the second frame configured for mounting in an existing window opening of a building.
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20. A method for preparing a self-powered variable transmittance optical device, the method comprising:
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a) disposing a layer of switching material on a substantially transparent substrate, the switching material capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage, wherein a first and second electrode are disposed such that the switching material is proximate with the first and second electrodes; b) providing an energy-harvesting power source; and c) providing an electrical system configured to receive power from the energy harvesting power source and to provide power to the first electrode and the second electrode for application of the electric voltage through the first and second electrodes.
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Specification