Combined Photochromic Electrochromic Visor for Rapid Light Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional visors for pilots lack rapid and extensive light adjustment capabilities, which are essential for maintaining situational awareness across varying light conditions, as they rely on slow-acting photochromic coatings or limited electrochromic tinting ranges.
Innovation Solution
A visor system combining a photochromic layer for slow light adjustment and an electrochromic layer for rapid tinting, controlled by a voltage-adjusting controller, integrated with a headgear for dynamic light transmission management, allowing for both quick response and extensive dimming range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If photochromic coatings are used for light adjustment, then the visor provides passive light filtering, but the response time is slow and adjustment is not rapid enough for pilot needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different visor technologies into a single integrated visor: a photochromic layer for passive light filtering and an electrochromic layer for rapid active control. This merging allows the visor to simultaneously provide both the automatic dimming of photochromic materials and the fast response of electrochromic materials, resolving the contradiction between passive filtering capability and rapid response time.
2Speed
If electrochromic elements are used for rapid tinting, then the response time is fast, but the tinting range is insufficient for military and avionic requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrochromic and photochromic layers in a single visor structure where the electrochromic layer provides rapid response capability and the photochromic layer extends the overall tinting range. The photochromic material's inherent ability to darken significantly under UV exposure complements the electrochromic layer's fast response, achieving both rapid adjustment and extensive dimming range required for military applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The visor employs a composite structure with multiple functional layers including electrochromic material, photochromic material, and transparent substrate materials. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its superior properties: electrochromic for speed, photochromic for range, and transparent materials for optical clarity, collectively achieving performance that neither material could provide alone.
3Device complexity
If a single visor element combines clear and tinted properties, then the structure is simplified, but the light adjustment speed and range are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional layers (electrochromic layer, photochromic layer, transparent shields) into a single visor assembly that acts as one cohesive optical element. This merging maintains relative structural simplicity while achieving superior performance through the synergistic interaction of different materials, avoiding the need for separate mechanical visors while exceeding the capabilities of conventional single-material visors.
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 provides rapid and extensive light adjustment, enhancing situational awareness by combining the slow-activating photochromic layer with the fast-activating electrochromic layer, reducing power usage and cost while meeting the dynamic light requirements of military and avionic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a photochromic layer coupled configured to adjust a first transmission state of the first viewing area based on the transmission of light through the first viewing area
Implementation Method 2
an electrochromic layer configured to reduce transmission of ambient light through the second viewing area upon an application of a voltage to the electrochromic layer
Data Source
AI summary
A visor for a helmet is disclosed. The visor includes a first lens member, which includes a first transparent shield configured with a photochromic layer. The photochromic layer is configured to adjust a first transmission state of a first viewing area of the first lens member based on the transmission of ambient light through the first viewing area. The visor also includes a second lens member that includes an electrochromic layer. The electrochromic layer is configured to adjust the transmission of ambient light through a second viewing area upon an application of a voltage to the electrochromic layer. The visor also includes a controller configured to adjust a voltage applied to the electrochromic layer, and an attachment element coupled to the first lens member configured to attach to a headgear.