Removable Electro-Optic Roof Panel Wireless Power Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle roof panels with electro-optic devices lack a robust and efficient electrical connection interface for controlling variable transmittance, requiring complex and cumbersome physical connections for installation and operation.

Innovation Solution

A wireless connection interface that aligns and couples electro-optic elements of a removable roof panel with the vehicle electrical system using proximity induction coils or capacitive plates, allowing for secure and efficient electrical communication without physical conductive connections, utilizing alignment features like compression levers and latches to maintain alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical conductive connections are used for electrical connection between vehicle and removable panel, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation complexity and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical conductive connections with wireless electromagnetic field-based power and data transmission. The vehicle includes a transmitter that wirelessly communicates with a receiver in the removable panel, eliminating the need for physical conductive connectors while maintaining reliable electrical connection for power delivery and control signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power and control signals between the vehicle and removable panel. The transmitter generates electromagnetic fields that couple with the receiver, serving as a non-contact intermediary that enables electrical connection without direct physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex physical connections are used for installation, then secure electrical connection is ensured, but ease of installation and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical connection and disconnection operations by using wireless electromagnetic coupling. The removable panel can be installed or removed without plugging or unplugging connectors, as power and control signals are transmitted through the air interface, dramatically improving ease of installation while maintaining connection stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless connection system automatically establishes and maintains electrical connection without requiring manual intervention for plugging or unplugging. The system self-adjusts to maintain optimal coupling between transmitter and receiver, reducing the need for user actions during installation and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If wireless connection interface is used for removable panel, then installation complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and connection reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection interface complexityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless connection system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the receiver detects the presence and position of the transmitter, and the transmitter adjusts its output accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic alignment compensation, ensuring reliable power and data transmission even with variations in panel installation position or orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless connection system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters such as power level, frequency, and beam direction based on real-time coupling conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance despite changes in panel position, orientation, or distance from the transmitter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables seamless and efficient control of electro-optic elements in removable roof panels, reducing installation complexity and ensuring consistent electrical communication for variable transmittance control.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless power transmitter for transmitting power to a wireless power receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a glass module for receiving power from the battery and changing colour density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentEP4255752B1Method of wirelessly powering and controlling a dimmable device

Publication Date: 2026.04.01 GENTEX CORP

Figure 1A~1B
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Figure 3

AI summary

A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a removable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle that includes an electro-optic apparatus. The electro-optic apparatus is configured to adjust a transmittance of the window. A wireless connection interface is in connection with an interface surface of the removable panel, wherein the wireless connection interface communicates power and/or electrical signals from the vehicle to the electro-optic apparatus.