WO2008136696A2

WO2008136696A2 - Variable transparency screen

Info

Publication number: WO2008136696A2
Application number: PCT/RS2008/000010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zeljko Mandic
Original assignee: Zeljko Mandic
Priority date: 2007-05-08
Filing date: 2008-05-06
Publication date: 2008-11-13
Also published as: RS20070193A; WO2008136696A3

Abstract

Variable transparency screen has been constructed in the form of insulation panel with the driving mechanism inside of it causing the rotation of at least one biaxial oriented movable panel (R) placed between light polarisation panels (P) and (A) by whose rotation by the angle the value of which is less than 460 the change of optical transparency of the screen is achieved (To) the current value of which depends exclusively on the current position of the panel (R). The movement of external ferromagnetic panel (Q) in its housing (W) influenced by permanent magnetic field causes identical movement of the internal ferromagnetic panel (L) in its housing (M) which causes the movement of cable (K) passing through the pipe-like slider (J) which is connected at its ends to the internal ferromagnetic panel (L) and the panel (R), which causes the rotation of the panel (R) and the change of optical transparency of the system To of the surface screen from comparatively full non-transparency Tomin to comparatively maximal transparency Tomax. Variable transparency screen provides the efficient protection of privacy from outside views, protection from temperature, acoustic and environmental mechanical influences, protection from light, particularly sunlight and sun energy, and it is reliable and it could be permanently exploited with the use of standard procedures during manufacturing, assembly, management, operation, maintenance, dismantling and repair works.

Description

MANDIC Zeljko

Orackabr.lOO

RS - 22419 KUPINOVO

S E R B I A (R S)

VARIABLETRANSPARENCY SCREEN

TECHNICAL FIELD

The variable transparency screen, according to the invention, belongs to the field of construction, fixed or movable closures for openings in buildings, vehicles, etc., for example, on windows, and/or blinds and protective devices with openings with or without the mechanism for moving, screens or other protective devices preventing the passage of light, i.e. they serve as protection from outside views, as well as to optical systems used for regulating light which use movable and deformable optical elements for controling the light intensity. Int. Cl.⁸ : E 06 B 9/24 (2007.01); G 02 B 26/02 (2007.01).

TECHNICAL ISSUE

Variable transparency screen, according to the invention, resolves the problem of placing screen on windows of building constructions, vehicles, etc., which may regulate the transparency of the opening ranging from comparatively maximum transparency to comparatively minimal transparency (darkening), i.e. resolves the problem of construction of screen integrated in the insulation panel which is used in architectural-construction and other applications, and which enables a sufficient level of different protection characteristics, which is reliable and long-lasting during exploitation, while the procedure of its manufacturing, assembling, management, maintenance, dismantling and repair may be standardized, enabling a potential replacement of existing windows without blinds, or windows with classical blinds, with this variable transparency screen, according to the invention.

The variable transparency screen, according to the invention, further resolves the problem by assembling the control mechanism which will enable the change of screen transparency from comparatively maximum transparency to comparatively minimal transparency (darkening), particularly in cases when one movable panel is placed between light polarizers, when the control mechanism enables simultaneous movement of the panels rotating in the same direction. The variable transparency screen, according to the invention, resolves the problem of realizing the efficient protection of privacy from outside views, as well as the protection from temperature, sounds and mechanical influence of the environment, light protection, particularly from sunlight and its heat energy.

BACKGROUND ART

The operational principle of variable transparency screens is based on the application of polarized light beams where the conversion of non-polarized light beam into polarized light beam is shown in figure 1. It is known that light represents radiation made of transversal electromagnetic waves, wavelength of which is between 390 nm and 770 nm, daily (i.e. white) light contains waves of different wavelength, while monochromatic light contains waves of only one particular wavelength. A beam of non-polarized light the source of which is at point S is characterized by its vectors of electrical and magnetic fields oscillating in all directions normal to the direction of propagation of light beam along the axis Z. Linear light polarizer P is characterized by allowing passing through beams of light whose electrical vector oscillates in only one particular plane. Polarizer P has a characteristical referential axis, the so-called polarization axis which represents the position of the plane in which the oscillation of electrical vector of incoming light beam is only possible. A beam of incoming non-polarized light from source S being allowed to pass through the polarizer P becomes linearly polarized light since its electrical vector oscillates towards the polarization axis of the polarizer P, which in the shown case corresponds to the direction of coordinate axis Y. The second polarizer A (analyzer) is in this case such positioned that its polarization axis is parallel to the polarization axis of the polarizer P. A beam of linearly polarized light passes through the polarizer A without disturbance. An observer at point O will observe that the intensity of light is of lower intensity, which is the result from a partial absorption of light in polarizers P and A. If polarizers P and A are observed as one and independent optical system, then the optical transparency of the system is maximal, To = Tmax, (case shown in figure 1).

Figure 2 shows the case when polarizer A is rotated around the axis of propagation of a light beam to the left or to the right so that polarization axis of polarizer P and polarizer A are brought to the position of being normal one to each other. The rotation of polarizer A from the position 0 to position 1 or position 2, will be noticed by an observer at point O as a gradual decreasing of incoming light's intensity. When polarizer A is brought to position 1 or position 2, the intensity of incoming light at point O will be minimal. If polarizers P and A are observed as one and independent optical system, then the optical transparency of the system is minimal, To = Tmin, (case shown in figure 2).

The structure of an optical system which basicly consists of two light polarizers P and A enables a maximal change of optical transparency of the system by rotating one polarizer around the axis of the propagation of light beam by 90 degrees, resulting a change of transparency of this system from a maximum transparency to minimal transparency, i.e. darkening. In the practice such type of structure is not suitable for the construction of variable transparency screens, because it could be applicable only for circular light openings, since in case of a rectangular screen openings for the rotation of the movable polarizer an significant additional space around the surface of light opening would be needed.

The existing technical solutions of screens may be generally divided in two groups. The first group includes the screens whose technical designs are based on a mechanical movement of spatially profiled laminate or fabric. The other group includes the screens whose technical designs are based on the application of liquid polymers and/or other optically active substances or elements which interact with the electromagnetic field of light in the manner described above.

The exploitation of the existing screens which are not integrated in the insulation panel is unreliable and short-term, since they need continuous maintenance due to being directly exposed to environmental conditions.

The exploitation of the existing screens which are integrated in the insulation panel is unreliable and short-term because of insufficient resistance of certain structural components to environmental conditions, while manufacturing, assembling, management, maintenance, dismantling and repair procedures are complex and non-standard, i.e. these are resolved as from case to case may be.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The operation of variable transparency screen is based on the interaction of polymer molecules of the transparent biaxial polymer film or panel with the electromagnetic field of polarized light. The variable transparency screen, according to this invention, generally consists of two fixed light polarizers and at least one movable biaxial oriented panel. The movement of biaxial oriented panels is enabled by the control mechanism. Optical transparency of variable transparency screen depends on the actual position of biaxial oriented panels against the position of fixed light polarizers. Each movement of biaxial oriented panels results in the change of optical transparency of the variable transparency screen. Fixed light polarizers have a structural arrangement due to which the variable transparency screen functions as an insulation panel.

The variable transparency screen, according to this invention, will be presented and described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 - shows the known principle of transformation of non-polarized light into polarized light;

Figure 2 - shows the known principle of controling the light intensity from an independent source of light, by the application of light polarizers;

Figure 3 - shows a general principle of structure of variable transparency screen with one movable panel R, according to this invention, with the position of optical elements by which the minimal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved;

Figure 4 - shows a general principle of structure of variable transparency screen with one movable panel R, according to this invention, with potential positions of optical elements by which the maximal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved;

Figure 5 - shows a general principle of structure of an variant of the variable transparency screen with two movable panels Rl and R2, according to this invention, with the position of optical elements by which the minimal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved;

Figure 6 - shows a general principle of structure of the alternative of the variable transparency screen with two movable panels Rl and R2, according to this invention, with potential positions of optical elements by which the maximal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved;

Figure 7 - shows a general principle of structure of an variant of the variable transparency screen with two movable panels Rl and R2, according to this invention, with one specific position of optical elements by which the maximal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved;

Figure 8 - shows a general principle of structure of an variant of the variable transparency screen with three movable panels R3, R4 and R5, according to this invention, with the position of optical elements by which the minimal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved;

Figure 9 - shows a general principle of structure of an variant of the variable transparency screen with three movable panels R3, R4 and R5, according to this invention, with potential positions of optical elements by which the maximal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved; Figure 10 - shows a general principle of structure of an variant of the variable transparency screen with three movable panels R3, R4 and R5, according to this invention, with one specific position of optical elements by which the maximal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved;

Figure 11 - shows a general principle of defining a geometrical form of the surface of the movable panel, in case of a rectangular surface of the variable transparency screen;

Figure 12 - shows a general principle of defining a geometrical form of the surface of the movable panel, in case of any form of the surface of the variable transparency screen;

Figure 13 - shows one specific position of the movable panel R in relation with the position of one polarizer A, in case of a rectangular surface of the variable transparency screen;

Figure 14a - shows a general principle of structure of variable transparency screen with one movable panel R, according to this invention, with the position of optical elements by which the minimal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved;

Figure 14b - shows a general principle of structure of variable transparency screen with the mechanism for its movement, according to the invention, with one specific position of the movable panel R against the position of polarizer A, in case of minimal value of optical transparency of a rectangular screen;

Figure 15 - shows construction details in horizontal cross-sections along the line a' - a", and/or line b' - b" in figure 14b of the variable transparency screen with one movable panel R and the mechanism for its movement;

Figure 16a — shows a general principle of structure of variable transparency screen with one movable panel R, according to this invention, in one arbitrary position when the movable panel R is rotated by value of τ from the position 0 into position 3, resulting in an arbitrary value of the optical transparency of the screen.

Figure 16b - shows the realized variable transparency screen according to the invention, in the example of construction, showing the polarizers P and A in their referential position, while the movable panel R rotated by the value of angle τ being in one arbitrary position 3;

Figure 17a - shows a general principle of structure of variable transparency screen with one movable pane R, according to this invention, in one specific position, when the movable panel R is rotated by the value of angle α from the position 0 to position 1, resulting in the maximal value of the optical transparency of the rectangular screen;

Figure 17b - shows the realized variable transparency screen according to the invention, in the embodiment showing that the polarizers P and A are in their referential position, while the movable panel R is in one specific position 1; Figure 18a - shows a general principle of structure of the variant of the variable transparency screen according to this invention, with two movable panels Rl and R2, with the position of optical elements by which the minimal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved;

Figure 18b - shows the realized variable transparency screen according to the invention, in the embodiment with two movable panels Rl and R2 showing that the polarizers P and A are in their referential position, whilst the movable panels R2 and Rl and their control mechanisms related to the position of polarizers are in the position characteristic in case of the minimal value of the optical transparency of the rectangular screen;

Figure 19a - shows a general principle of structure of the variant of the variable transparency screen according to this invention, with two movable panels Rl and R2, with the position of optical elements by which the maximal value of optical transparency of the screen has been achieved;

Figure 19b - shows the realized variable transparency screen according to the invention, in the embodiment with two movable panels Rl and R2, showing that the polarizers P and A are in their referential position, whilst the movable panels R2 and Rl and their control mechanisms related to the position of polarizers are in the position characteristic in case of the maximal value of the optical transparency of the rectangular screen;

Figure 20 - shows structure details in horizontal cross-sections along the line c' - c", respective line d' - d" in figure 19b of the variable transparency screen with two movable panels Rl and R2 and the mechanisms for its movement;

The basic principle of the construction of the variable transparency screen according to this invention is shown in figure 3, where the polarizers P and A are in the position in which their polarization axes are normal to each other (angle of 90 degrees). For the explanation of the operation principle of the variable transparency screen, in the subject specification, these would be considered as the referential positions of polarizers P and A. A movable panel R made of polymer material has been placed between polarizers P and A. The movable panel R is a transparent biaxialy oriented film or panel. The creation processes of oriented structure in polymer materials belong to standard procedures of structuring polymer materials and are not the subject of this invention. Polymer molecules in biaxial oriented materials show very specific optical characteristics due to significant specific interaction with the electro-magnetic field of light. The movable panel R has a characteristic referential axis, the so-called axis of optical orientation and it corresponds to the direction of longitudinal or transversal straining of polymer material during the orientation process. When the movable panel R is in the position that its referential axis is parallel to the polarization axis of the polarizer P, an observer at point O will not notice any change of the intensity of incoming light, and if the polarizers P and A with the movable panel R are observed as a unique and independent optical system, then the optical transparency of the system To is minimal (To = Tmin), which practically means that the screen is relatively non-transparent.

Figure 4 shows the case when the movable panel R is rotated around the axis of ray of light's propagation to the left or to the right by the value of angle α which is less than 46 degrees, while polarizers P and A are in the referential position. The rotation of the movable panel R from the position 0 to the position 1 or from the position 0 to the position 2, an observer at point O will notice as a gradual increase of the intensity of incoming light. When the movable panel R is in its outermost position 1 or outermost position 2, the intensity of incoming light at point O is maximal. If polarizers P and A with the movable panel R are observed as a unique and independent optical system, then the optical transparency of the system To is maximal, (To = Tmax), which practically means that the screen is relatively transparent.

The structure of the variable transparency screen which is the subject of this invention and which basically consists of two fixed light polarizers P and A and one movable panel R, placed between them, provides a maximal change of the optical transparency of the system To by rotating the movable panel R by the angle α which is less than 46 degrees. The type of polymer material which is used for manufacturing of the movable panel R and the degree of orientation of its molecules directly influence to the value of the angle α by which the movable panel R should be rotated. This type of structure in practical terms is suitable for the construction of the variable transparency screen. Such screen is practically applicable to the light openings of arbitrary geometrical shape, since the rotation of the movable panel R does not require a large space around the surface of the light opening.

Figure 5 shows the structure of the variable transparency screen according to the variant of this invention, which contains two movable panels. In this structure two movable panels Rl and R2 are placed between two fixed polarizers P and A. When these movable panels Rl and R2 are brought into the position 0 in such a manner that their referential axes are parallel to the polarization axis of the polarizer P, an observer at point O will notice none change of the intensity of the incoming light. If the polarizers P and A with the movable panels Rl and R2 are observed as a unique and independent optical system, then the optical transparency of this complex system To is minimal (To = Tmin), which practically means that the screen is relatively non-transparent. Figure 6 shows the case when the movable panels Rl and R2 are rotated around the axis of a ray of light's propagation to opposite directions for the value of angle ε; (ε < α / 2) which is less than 23 degrees, while the polarizers P and A are in their referential position. The simultaneous rotation of the movable panels Rl and R2 from the position 0 to the position 1 or position 2, an observer at point O will notice as a gradual increase of the intensity of incoming light from the starting minimal value of optical transparency Tmin (relatively non-transparent screen) when the movable panels Rl and R2 are in the position 0, until bringing the movable panels Rl and R2 to the outermost position 1 or position 2, when the intensity of incoming light at point O is maximal (relatively transparent screen). If polarizers P and A and movable panels Rl and R2 placed between them, are observed as a unique and independent optical system, then the optical transparency of the system To in the outermost positions 1 and 2 of movable panels Rl and R2, is maximal, To = Tmax (screen is relatively transparent).

Figure 7 shows an characteristic position of the movable panels Rl and R2 in relation to the fixed polarizers P and A which are in the referential position, in which position the movable panel Rl has been rotated to the position 1 on one side, while the panel R2 has been rotated to its position 1 to the opposite side. If polarizers P and A with the movable panels Rl and R2 are observed as a unique and independent optical system, then the optical transparency of the system To is maximal, (To = Tmax), which practically means that the screen is relatively transparent.

Figure 8 shows the structure of the variable transparency screen according to the variant of this invention, which contains three movable panels and where movable panels R3, R4 and R5 are placed between polarizers P and A which are in their referential positions. When the movable panels R3, R4 and R5 are brought in the position 0, in such a manner that their referential axes are parallel to the polarization axis of the polarizer P, an observer at point O will notice none change of the intensity of incoming light, respectively when polarizers P and A with movable panels R3, R4 and R5 placed between them are observed as a unique and independent optical system, then the optical transparency To of this system is minimal, To = Tmin (screen is relatively non-transparent).

Figure 9 shows the structure of the variable transparency screen according to the variant of this invention, which contains three movable panels R3, R4 and R5 each of which can be rotated from the position 0 to one side (to outermost position 1) or to the other side (to the outermost position 2) for the value of angle ω; (ω < α / 4) which is less than 12 degrees. If polarizers P and A with movable panels R3, R4 and R5 are observed as a unique and independent optical system, then the optical transparency To of this system is maximal To=Tmax in case shown in this figure, which means that the screen is relatively transparent. Figure 10 shows the case when movable panels R3 and R5 are rotated to one side, and the movable panel R4 to the opposite side around the axis of ray of light's propagation for the value of angle ω; (ω < α / 4) which is less than 12 degrees, while polarizers P and A are in their referential positions. The simultaneous rotation of the movable panels R3, R4, and R5 from the position 0 to the position 1 or position 2, an observer at point O will notice as a gradual increase of the intensity of incoming light from the optical transparency To=Tomin when the movable panels R3, R4, and R5 are in the position 0, until bringing the movable panels R3, R4, and R5 into their outermost positions 1 or 2, when, if the structure made of polarizers P and A with movable panels R3, R4, and R5 is observed as a unique and independent optical system, optical transparency of the system To is maximal, To = Tmax, which means that the screen is relatively transparent.

The analysis of the structure of the variable transparency screen, points to the fact that the increase of number of movable panels proportionally affects the decrease of the value of angle needed for the rotation of movable panels in order to achieve a maximal change of optical transparency of the variable transparency screen. When the variable transparency screen is made with two or more movable panels (R3, R4, R5... Rn), the rule is that two adjacent panels have to be rotated into opposite directions.

The variable transparency screen of the abovementioned type is applicable to light openings of arbitrary geometrical form. The most common area shape of the light openings, and therefore the area shape of the variable transparency screen is vertical or horizontal rectangular shape. The shape of the variable transparency screen requires a corresponding shape of the movable panel. Figure 11 shows the shape of the movable panel corresponding to the vertical rectangular shape of the variable transparency screen. The rectangular variable transparency screen has four specific referential periphery points: 10, 20, 30, 40 and the referential point C which is the center of the rectangular surface. Fictitious rotation of the rectangular variable transparency screen by the value of angle α, creates a fictitious rectangular surface with the referential periphery points: 11, 21, 31 and 41. The serial linking of referential periphery points of both rectangular surfaces results in the shape of the movable panel. The surface of movable panel has eight referential periphery points: 10, 11, 20, 21, 30, 31, 40, 41 and the referential point C being the center of rotation of the movable panel. The shape of the movable panel surface related to the rectangular shape of the variable transparency screen is defined by rotating the movable panel around the rotation centre C for the value of rotation angle α. The shape of the surface of the movable panel is defined in such a manner that the movable panel in any position include a minimal surface outside the rectangular surface of the variable transparency screen.

Figure 12 shows the principle of defining the surface of the movable panel, in case of an arbitrary shape of the variable transparency screen, i.e. the shape of rhomboid. The rhomboid variable transparency surface has four referential periphery points 50, 60, 70, 80 and the referential point C being the center of the rhomboid surface. Fictitious rotation of the rhomboid variable transparency screen for the value of angle α, creates a fictitious rectangular surface with the referential periphery points 51, 61, 71, 81. The shape of movable panel surface is obtained by serial linking of peripheral referential points of both rhomboid surfaces. The surface of the movable panel has eight referential peripheral points: 50, 51, 60, 61, 70, 71, 80, 81 and the referential point C which is the centre of rotation of the movable panel. The shape of surface of the movable panel with respect to the rhomboid shape of variable transparency screen is defined by rotating the movable panel with the rotation centre at point C for the value of rotation angle α . The shape of surface of movable panel is defined in such a manner that the movable panel at any position include the minimal surface outside the rhomboid surface of the variable transparency screen. In case the variable transparency screen is of another regular or irregular arbitrary geometrical shape, the same principle of defining the shape of movable panel's surface will be applied, like in case of rectangular shape of surface of transparency screen.

Figure 13 shows a characteristic position of the movable panel R with respect to the position of polarizer A. The rectangular surface of the polarizer A is defined by width H and height V. The rectangular surface defined by width B and height E represents the variable transparent surface of the screen. The variable transparent surface of the screen is completely covered with the surface of the movable panel R. The edge surface defined by width D on vertical sides and height F on horizontal sides of the polarizer A is permanently non-transparent surface of the screen. Permanently non-transparent surface of the screen provides minimum sufficient space for securing necessary rotation of the movable panel R, as well as for the situation of the driving mechanism for enabling the rotation of the movable panel R. Dimensions of the polarizer P is identicas to the dimension of polarizer A. The dimensions of the variable transparent surface of the polarizer P is identical to the dimension of the variable transparent surface of the polarizer A. The dimensions of the non-transparent surface of the polarizer P is identical to the dimension of permanently non-transparent surface of the polarizer A.

Figure 14a shows the basic principle of the structure of the variable transparency screen according to this invention, which is shown and described together with figure 3, where the polarisers P and A are positioned in such a manner that their polarization axes are normal to each other (under the angle of 90 degrees), where for the explanation of the operation principle of the variable transparency screen referential positions of the polarisers P and A have been indicated, and where the movable panel R, made of polymer material has been positioned between the polarisers P and A.

Figure 14b shows the structure of the variable transparency screen, according to the invention, in one characteristic position of the movable panel R with respect to the position of the polarizer A, with the mechanism for rotating the movable panel R, in case when the optical transparency of the variable transparency screen is minimal, To = Tmin, i.e. when the variable transparency screen is relatively non-transparent.

The figure 15 shows the construction details in horizontal cross-sections along the line a' - a", respectively line b' - b" in figure 14b of the variable transparency screen with one movable panel R and its mechanism for driving the rotation. The best way to effect the variable transparency screen is in the form of the insulation panel with the standard hood 90 filled with the substance for absorbing humidity 91 and connected to polarisers P and A through primary connecting sealing substance 92 and secondary connecting sealing substance 93. Polarisers P and A are constructed as multi-layered transparent organic or non-organic panels which are resistant on both sides to damages due to friction. Polarisers P and A must keep their technical characteristics even after long-term exposition to environmental impacts. Polariser P which is directly exposed to the light source and other environmental impacts may be additionally equipped with the film for the protection from ultraviolet radiation, light reflection film or other protection films. The polarisers P and A have non-transparent film 94 towards inside within the zone of permanently non-transparent surface. The movable panel R is constructed as single- layered or multi-layered transparent polymer panel or film. Single-layered movable panel R is in the form of transparent biaxialy orientated polymer panel or film. The best manner of constructing the movable panel R is a transparent thin biaxial orientated polymer film which is adhered along its surface or in another way secured to the surface of the transparent polymer panel or film which is not biaxialy orientated. The movable panel R is resistant to damages due to friction on both sides. The movable panel R must keep its technical characteristics even after long-term exposition to environmental impacts. The rotation of the movable panel R is enabled by driving mechanism. The control part of the driving mechanism consists of external ferromagnetic plate Q within the housing W and internal ferromagnetic plate L within the housing M. The external ferromagnetic plate Q and the internal ferromagnetic plate L compose a magnetic circuit. The housings of the ferromagnetic panels W and M are made of magneticaly neutral material and enable to the ferromagnetic plates Q and L a translatory movement. The movement of the external ferromagnetic plate Q in the housing W by the impact of permanent magnetic field causes identical movement of the internal ferromagnetic plate L in the housing M, which causes the movement of cable K which is going through the guide J and which is connected to the internal ferromagnetic plate L at its ends and connected to panel R in two characteristic referential diagonal periphery points, which causes the rotation of the movable panel R.

In case the polarisation panels P and A have a curved surface (of concave, convex or other uneven shape), the movable biaxialy oriented panel R is made in the form of an elastic single-layered or multi-layered polymer panel or film whose curvature is depends upon curvature of the polarisation panels P and A.

Figures 14b and 15 shows variable transparency screen in structure where the characteristic position of the movable panel R is realized with respect to the position of polarisers P and A, when variable transparency screen has the minimal value of optical transparency, To = Tmin, i.e. when the screen is relatively non-transparent (which is the realization of the principle shown in figure 3), while the example of construction (Figure 14b) shows that the polarisers P and A are in their referential position, while the movable panel R and internal ferromagnetic plate L are in the position 0. The guide J is pipe-like with the direction following the peripheral shape of the movable panel R, while in the arch-like diagonal parts of its direction this pipe-like guide J is cutted-through, which enables the movable panel R to be connected to the cable K in its diagonal periphery referential points in those parts. The tubular guide J is glued by means of the connecting substance 95 or in another way secured to the polariser A within the zone of permanently non-transparent surface of the polariser A. The movable panel R with its edge part leans diagonally to two diagonally positioned roller bearings N providing additional mechanical stability during its movement.

Figure 16a shows the basic principle of construction when the movable panel R is rotated by some value of the angle τ; (τ = α / n; n = 1, 2...) from the position 0 to some middle position 3 which provides a partial optical transparency To of the variable transparency screen.

The figure 16b shows the variable transparency screen in the embodiment when the polarisers P and A are in their referential positions, while the movable panel R and the internal ferromagnetic plate L are in the position 3. The rotation of the movable panel R from the position 0 to the position 3 is caused by the movement of the external ferromagnetic plate Q from the position 0 to the position 3, when this movement of the external ferromagnetic plate Q causes identical movement of the internal ferromagnetic plate L, and therefore the movement of the cable K, which passes through the pipe-like guide J and which is at its ends connected to the internal ferromagnetic plate L and connected to the panel R in two characteristic referential diagonal periphery points, in such a manner that the movement of the cable K causes the rotation of the movable panel R to the position 3. For the maximal change of the optical transparency To of the screen it is necessary to rotate the movable panel R by the value of rotation angle α, from the position 0 to the position 1. Since in this case the value of the rotation angle τ is less than the value of the rotation angle α, the optical transparency of the screen To is bigger than the minimal value of the optical transparency Tomin of the screen, and smaller than the maximal value of the optical transparency of the screen Tomax, (Tmin. < To < Tmax,) in case shown in figures 16a and 16b the screen according to the invention will be partially transparent.

Figure 17a shows the principle explained with the figure 4 when the movable panel R is rotated by the value of angle α from the position 0 (here to the outermost position 1), while the figure 17b shows the construction of the variable transparency screen according to the invention, in the construction when the polarisers P and A are in their referential position, while the movable panel R and internal ferromagnetic plate L are in the outermost position 1. If the variable transparency screen made of structure of polarisers P and A with the movable panel R between them is observed as a unique and independent optical system, the optical transparency of the screen To is maximal, To = Tmax, which in case shown in figures 17a and 17b means that the variable transparency screen is relatively transparent.

Figure 18a shows the principle explained with the figure 5 while figure 18b shows the construction of the variant of the variable transparency screen, according to the invention, which consists of two movable panels Rl and R2 in the characteristic position between polarisers P and A which are in the referential position. Movable panels Rl and R2 have independent, but in essence identical driving mechanisms. The movable panel Rl independently leans on the roller- bearings Nl, while the movable panel R2 independently leans on the roller-bearings N2. The movable panels Rl and R2 are in the position 0. If the variable transparency screen is observed as a unique and independent optical system, the optical transparency of the screen To is minimal, To = Tmin, which in case shown in figures 18a and 18b means that the variable transparency screen is relatively non-transparent.

The figure 19a shows the principle explained with the figure 6, while the figure 19b shows the construction of the variant of the variable transparency screen, according to the invention, when the movable panels Rl and R2 are rotated to opposite sides by the value of angle ε;(ε ≤ α/2 < 23°) from the position 0 to the outermost position 1. If this variable transparency screen is now observed as a unique and independent optical system, the optical transparency To of this screen is maximal, To = Tmax, i.e. the variable transparency screen according to the invention is relatively transparent.

The figure 20 shows the construction details in horizontal cross sections along the lines c ' - c", respectively line d' - d" in figure 19b of the variable transparency screen with two movable panels Rl and R2, and the driving mechanism for their movement. The variable transparency screen, according to the invention, being constructed according to the second variant is constructed as a standard insulation panel with the hood 90 filled with the substance foe absorption of humidity 91 and connected to polarisers P and A through primarily connecting sealing substance 92 and secondary connecting sealing substance 93. The polarisers P and A have non-transparent film 94 towards their interior within the zone of permanently non- transparent area. The movement of the outer ferromagnetic plate Ql in the housing Wl by the impact of permanent magnetic field causes identical movement of the inner ferromagnetic plate Ll in the housing Ml, which causes the movement of cable Kl which is slides through the tubular guide J and which is connected to the inner ferromagnetic plate L at its ends and connected to panel Rl in two characteristic referential diagonal periphery points, which causes the rotation of the movable panel Rl.

The movement of outer ferromagnetic plate Q2 in the housing W2 by the impact of permanent magnetic field causes identical movement of the inner ferromagnetic plate L2 in the housing M2 causing the movement of the cable K2 which passes through the tubular guide J2 and which is at its ends connected to the internal ferromagnetic plate L2. The cable K2 is connected to the panel R2 in two characteristic referential diagonal periphery points of the panel R2, which causes the rotation of the panel R2. The tubular guides Jl and J2 are adhesively fixed by connecting substance 95 or in another way fixed to the polariser A within the zone of permanently non-transparent area of the polariser A.

The variable transparency screen, according to the invention may be realized in the variant consisting of more movable panels (Rl, R2, R3... Rn), when odd movable panels R(n+1) are connected to the same cable Kl of driving mechanism in such a manner that they simultaneously rotate to the same direction, while even movable panels R(2n) are connected to the same cable K2 of driving mechanism, in such a manner that they simultaneously rotate to the same direction.

External ferromagnetic plates Q, Ql and Q2 may be driven manually or by means of appropriate electro-motor mechanism, and electro-motor mechanisms of more variable transparency screens may be integrated in a joint control system of driving and power supply. External ferromagnetic plates Q, Ql and Q2 and internal ferromagnetic plates L, Ll and L2 may not necessarily have translatory movements, i.e. they may be in the form of flat cylinders and carry out its function by rotational movement. In that case outer housings of ferromagnetic plates W, Wl and W2 and inner housings of ferromagnetic plates M, Ml and M2 may be in the form which enables the rotational movement to ferromagnetic plates in the shape of flat cylinders.

In this patent specification, interposition of light polarisers P and A when their polarisation axes are normal to each other (under the angle of 90 degrees) is taken as the referential position σf polarisers P and A, because the variable transparency screen has the best protective effect in the abovementioned position of polarisers P and A.

In general, the variable transparency screen will operate when the polarisers P and A are in any position, i.e. when their polarisation axes are parallel to each other or crossed under any angle.

It is clear that the construction details and particular realisations, as well as certain phases of changing the transparency of the variable transparency screen from complete non- transparency to relatively complete transparency may be changed with respect to those described and shown in drawings, without deviating from the design of the subject matter invention, as defined in the following patent claims.

Light polarizers P and A may be constructed in such a manner to selectively polarize electromagnetic radiation of only particular spectrum (for example, exsclusively visible light, exsclusively infra red electromagnetic radiation, etc.).

MANDIC Zeljko

Oracka br.lOO

RS - 22419 KUPINOVO

S E R B I A (R S)

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Variable transparency screen for light openings with the surface of optional geometrical shape, characterized in that, comprising secured light polarisers (P) and (A) made of multi-layered transparent organic or non-organic panels or glass panels resistant on both sides to friction damages, the surface of polarisers (P) and (A) being equal to the surface of variable transparency screen, the polarisers being positioned in such a manner that their polarisation axes are normal to each other (under the angle of 90°), or being in another position, where several rotating movable panels (Rl, R2, R3, R4 ... Rn) with the shape of surface corresponding to the surface of the variable transparency screen are placed between the polarisers (P) and (A), where these movable panels (Rl, R2, R3, R4 ... Rn) are made of single-layered or multi-layered polymer material as a transparent biaxial oriented film or panel, where the referential point (C), being the centre of the surface of the variable transparency screen represents the centre of rotation of movable panels (Rl, R2, R3, R4 ... Rn) by the value of rotating angle (α/n, n=l,2...), the rotation being realized by driving mechanism for moving movable panels (Rl, R2, R3, R4 ... Rn).

2. Variable transparency screen for light openings, according to the claim 1, characterized in that, in alternative I, it is constructed in the horizontal or vertical rectangular shape of surface positioned between secured light polarisers (P) and (A) with one movable panel (R) positioned between them, the rectangular surfaces of polariser (P) and polariser (A) being defined by the width (H) and height (V), while the variable transparent surface of the screen, defined by width (B) and height (E) is completely covered by the surface of the movable panel (R) where edge surfaces defined by width (D) on vertical sides and height (F) on horizontal sides of polarisers (P) and (A), represent permanently non-transparent surfaces (94) of the screen, where these permanently non-transparent surfaces (94) of the screen enable the minimum sufficient space for allowing the necessary rotation of the movable panel (R), as well as for housing the components of the driving mechanism for their rotation.

3. Variable transparency screen for light openings, according to patent claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, in the alternative I, it is constructed in the horizontal or vertical rectangular shape of surface, in the form of insulation panel with the standard insulation hood (90) which is filled with the substance for absorbing humidity (91) and which is connected to light polarisers (P) and (A) through primary connecting sealing substance (92) and secondary connecting sealing substance (93), where the movable panel (R) is connected at its diagonal periphery characteristic points to the cable (K), and where the necessary rotation of the movable panel (R) is realized by means of the driving mechanism consisting of external ferromagnetic panel (Q) which is translatory movable within the housing (W), and which is by magnetic circuit connected to the internal ferromagnetic panel (L) translatory movable within the housing (M), where the ends of the cable (K) are connected to the ends of the internal ferromagnetic panel (L), the cable passing through the tubular guide (J) which in its direction follows the periphery shape of the movable panel (R) and where the tubular guide (J) is secured through the connecting substance (95) for the polarizer (A) within the zone of permanently non-transparent surface (94), and where the movable panel (R) diagonally leans against two diagonally positioned cylinder bearings (N) for additional mechanical stability during the rotation of the movable panel (R) by the value of angle (α) which is less than 46 degrees.

4. Variable transparency screen for light openings, according to patent claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, in the alternative II, with the rectangular shape of surface positioned horizontally or vertically, there are two movable biaxial oriented panels (Rl) and (R2) between light polarisers (P) and (A) rotating by the angle (ε, ε < α/2) by value less than 23 degrees, moved by two independent driving mechanisms consisting of external ferromagnetic panels (Ql) and (Q2) translatory movable within their housings (Wl) and (W2) connected by magnetic circuits with internal ferromagnetic panels (Ll) and (L2) also translatory movable within their housings (Ml) and (M2), where ends of cables (Kl) and (K2) are connected to the ends of internal ferromagnetic panels (Ll) and (L2) passing through tubular guides (Jl) and (J2) which have been secured to the polariser (A) by means of the connecting substance (95) within the zone of permanently non-transparent surface (94), and where movable panels (Rl) and (R2) with its edges diagonally lean on two diagonally positioned roller bearings (Nl) and (N2) for the purpose of additional mechanical stability during the rotation of movable panels (Rl) and (R2) by the value of angle (ε, ε < α/2) being less than 23 degrees.

5. Variable transparency screen for light openings according to previous claims, characterized in that, between light polarisers (P) and (A) there are more rotating movable biaxial oriented panels (Rl, R2, R3, ... Rn) and that all odd movable panels (Rn+l) which are connected to the same cable (Kl) are simultaneously rotated towards the same direction by the angle (α/n, n=l, 2 ...), while all even movable panels (R2n) connected to the same cable (K2) are simultaneously rotated by the value of angle (α/n, n=l, 2 ...) towards the same direction but which is opposite than the direction of rotation of odd movable panels (Rn+i), thus two neighbouring movable panels are always rotated in opposite directions.

6. Variable transparency screen for light openings according to previous claims, characterized in that, in case the light polarisers (P) and (A) have a curved surface (of concave, convex or another uneven shape) and movable biaxial oriented panel (R) made of elastic single- layered or multi-layered panel or film, has a curved surface caused by curvature of surfaces of light polarisers (P) and (A).

7. Variable transparency screen for light openings according to previous patent claims, characterized in that, movable biaxial oriented panels (Rn) are made of elastic single-layered or multi-layered transparent panel or film, in such a manner that the surface of transparent biaxial oriented polymer film is adhered or in another way secured to the surface of the transparent polymer panel or film, which is not biaxial oriented.

8. Variable transparency screen for light openings according to previous patent claims, characterized in that, the increase in number of movable panels (Rn) proportionally influences the decrease of value of rotation angle (α) which is necessary for rotation of movable panels (Rn) in order to realize the maximal change of optical transparency (To) of variable transparency screen, while in case of the construction of variable transparency screen with the structure containing two or more movable panels (R3, R4, R5... Rn ), two neighbouring movable panels are always rotated in opposite directions.

9. Variable transparency screen for light openings according to previous patent claims, characterized in that, the external ferromagnetic panels (Q), (Ql) and (Q2) and internal ferromagnetic panels (L), (Ll) and (L2) of the driving mechanism are made in the shape of flat cylinder and that they are rotatable, while the external housings of ferromagnetic panels (W), (Wl) and (W2) and internal housings of ferromagnetic panels (M), (Ml) and (M2) are in the shape which enables rotation to ferromagnetic panels in the shape of flat cylinder.

MANDIC Zeljko

Oracka br.lOO

RS - 22419 KUPINOVO

S E R B I A (R S)