Electro-Optic Window Assembly With Touch Dimming Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable transmission window systems for multi-passenger vehicles lack efficient control mechanisms for uniform dimming and clearing, are prone to power consumption, and are not robust enough to withstand environmental factors and physical loading, with complex user interfaces that are not user-friendly or reliable.
Innovation Solution
A unitary electro-optic window assembly with a controller that adjusts voltage to an electro-optic medium for varying transmissivity, integrated with a user interface featuring a capacitive touch or resistive touch system and a dust cover for protection, allowing easy operation and minimal dimming/clearing time with low power consumption, and designed to withstand environmental stressors and physical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing variable transmission window systems are used, then window transmissivity can be adjusted, but the control mechanism is complex and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with a capacitive touch interface that detects finger proximity and position to control window dimming. This substitution of mechanical systems with field-based sensing (capacitive coupling) simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining ease of operation, directly resolving the technical contradiction between user-friendliness and control complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If existing window systems are used, then transmissivity can be changed, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by detecting finger proximity through capacitive coupling only when needed (upon user interaction) rather than continuous operation. The system activates the electro-optic medium only during dimming transitions triggered by finger detection, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable control functionality throughout the vehicle's operation.
3Reliability
If existing control systems are used, then window dimming can be controlled, but the interface is not reliable under environmental stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary capacitive sensing mechanism that detects finger proximity through the dust cover without requiring direct contact or penetration of protective barriers. This intermediary field-based detection method allows the control system to reliably sense user input while remaining isolated from environmental stressors such as moisture, dust, and temperature variations, thereby enhancing system reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If protective measures are added to withstand environmental factors, then robustness improves, but the assembly becomes thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a thin dust cover made of transparent material that serves as both a protective barrier against environmental stressors and a substrate for the capacitive touch interface. This thin film approach provides necessary protection against moisture, dust, and physical damage while maintaining a sleek, space-efficient design that does not significantly increase the overall thickness of the window assembly.
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 solution provides a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly control system for variable transmissivity in multi-passenger vehicles, ensuring uniform dimming and clearing with minimal power consumption and robustness against environmental and physical stress, while maintaining a thin profile for space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The window element (112) includes an electro-optic medium (132) configured to reduce light transmissivity of the window element (112)
Implementation Method 2
The user interface (146) includes at least one capacitive touch sensor
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A unitary electro-optic window assembly includes a window element. A first substantially transparent substrate defines a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity there between. An electro-optic medium at least partially fills the cavity and is configured to reduce light transmissivity of the window element. A controller is adjacent to the window element and is in electrical communication therewith. The controller is configured to change a voltage applied to the electro-optic medium to change the light transmissivity of the window element. An interface is in electrical communication with the controller. A transparent dust cover is positioned over the window element, the controller, and the interface.