Automotive Window Light Guide Display for Vehicle Identity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a robust and cost-effective display system in motor vehicles to communicate vehicle identity and intent to users, particularly in autonomous and ride-sharing contexts, without compromising aesthetics, as existing methods are inadequate for non-autonomous vehicles and require human attention.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer automotive window display system using light guides and light sources, such as RGB LEDs, between inner and outer glass panes to create various signals and patterns that can be activated to indicate vehicle identity and intention, allowing for unique identification and communication of vehicle status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a display system is added to communicate vehicle identity and intent, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the vehicle's transparent barrier and as a display medium for communication signals. The light guides are integrated into the existing window assembly, allowing the same structural component to fulfill both protective and communicative roles, thereby improving communication capability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The light guides are nested within the window assembly, positioned between the inner and outer glass panes. This nesting approach allows the display elements to be housed within the existing structural envelope of the window, adding communication functionality while minimizing additional space requirements and structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light guides are added to display different signals, then signal diversity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent light guides, each capable of displaying different signals or patterns. This segmentation allows for modular addition of communication capabilities - each light guide can be controlled independently to convey different information, improving signal diversity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light guides are combined within the same window assembly, sharing common structural support, power supply, and control systems. By merging the mounting structure, power distribution, and control electronics for multiple light guides into a unified system, the patent achieves high signal diversity while minimizing the incremental complexity that would result from treating each light guide as a completely separate subsystem
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
The system enables efficient and aesthetically neutral communication of vehicle identity and intent, offering a wide range of signals and patterns that can be used to uniquely identify vehicles and indicate their status, enhancing safety and user interaction without increasing costs or altering the vehicle's appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a first light guide disposed between the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane and configured to receive light from the first light source
Data Source
AI summary
A window for a motor vehicle includes an inner glass pane, an outer glass pane, and a first display module having a first light source, a first light guide disposed between the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane and configured to receive light from the first light source, a second light source, and a second light guide disposed between the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane and configured to receive light from the second light source. When the first light source is activated a first signal is displayed through the first light guide, when the second light source is activated a second signal is displayed through the second light guide, and when the first light source and the second light source are activated a third signal is displayed through the first light guide and the second light guide.