Electrochromic AV Window Tinting for Drop-Off Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) face challenges in window tinting, as existing systems do not allow for adjustable tinting based on passenger preferences, environmental conditions, or situational needs, such as visibility during drop-off or maintenance, which can affect passenger comfort and vehicle efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an adjustable automatic window tinting (AAWT) system using electrochromic windows that can be controlled by passengers, fleet management, or the AV itself, adjusting tint levels based on user preferences, environmental conditions, and situational factors through a network of sensors and cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If window tinting is applied to autonomous vehicles, then passenger comfort and energy efficiency are improved, but visibility for drop-off locations and maintenance access are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable window tinting using electrochromic glass that can change its light transmission properties in real-time. The system adjusts tint levels based on detected conditions such as sunlight intensity, passenger preferences, and operational context (e.g., approaching destination, maintenance mode), allowing the windows to transition between tinted and clear states to balance comfort and visibility needs.
2Loss of energy
If fixed window tinting is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but adaptability to different situations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple sensors (light sensors, temperature sensors, cameras) that continuously monitor environmental conditions and vehicle context. This feedback is processed by a controller that automatically adjusts the electrochromic window tinting levels to optimize energy efficiency while adapting to situational requirements such as passenger preferences, external lighting conditions, and operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The window tinting system operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The controller automatically determines the optimal tint level based on sensor inputs and pre-programmed logic, enabling the system to self-adjust to different situations such as sunny conditions, approach to destination, or maintenance mode without user input.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy window tinting is applied, then solar heat gain is reduced, but visibility for safety and communication is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the optical parameters of the window glass by applying electrochromic technology, which allows dynamic adjustment of light transmission and solar heat gain coefficients. The electrochromic material undergoes a reversible chemical change when voltage is applied, transforming the glass from clear to tinted state, thereby controlling both heat entry and visibility based on real-time conditions.
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
Enhances passenger comfort, reduces energy consumption, and improves visibility and communication through adaptive tinting, ensuring optimal conditions for passengers and vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the windows (170) of the autonomous vehicle (110) comprises electrically switchable smart glass, the transmissivity or opacity of each of which is adjustable in response to an applied electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method comprising receiving a rideshare request from a user, the rideshare request including a destination; transporting the passenger to the destination using an autonomous vehicle (AV) having a plurality of windows comprising electrically switchable smart glass; during the transporting, monitoring a metric related to arrival of the AV at the destination; and untinting the windows when the monitored metric has a prescribed relationship to a threshold value.