Electrochromic Vehicle Components for Low-Energy Visual Indication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle components for communicating information to drivers and passengers, such as light indicators and digital screens, are either small and not easily noticeable, fragile, or require high energy consumption, making them impractical for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an electrochromic film that changes transparency in response to an electric stimulus to alter the appearance of vehicle components, such as the ignition key, airbag cover, and finishing panels, without the need for digital screens, ensuring visibility and low energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light indicators are used to communicate information to driver or passengers, then the communication function is provided, but the indicators are small and not easily noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrochromic films that change optical properties (transparency/opacity) in response to electrical signals. This allows large surface areas of vehicle components to display information through optical state changes, making the information highly visible without requiring small, concentrated light indicators. The electrochromic material transitions between transparent and opaque states to communicate different information states across large component surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameter (transparency) of vehicle components by applying electrical voltage to electrochromic films. This parameter change allows the same component surface to convey different information states - for example, a transparent state versus an opaque state - thereby providing clear visual communication across large areas without needing to increase physical size further.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital screens are used to communicate information, then full programmability is achieved, but the screens are fragile, bulky and consume high energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile digital screens with simple, robust electrochromic films that can be integrated into existing vehicle components. These films are much more durable, require minimal energy to maintain their state (only energy is needed to switch between states), and can be applied to various component surfaces without requiring bulky housing or complex support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses thin electrochromic films that can be applied directly to the surfaces of existing vehicle components such as ignition keys, airbag covers, and finishing panels. This eliminates the need for bulky digital screen assemblies while maintaining the ability to display information through optical state changes. The films are flexible, lightweight, and can conform to various component geometries.
3Ease of operation
If digital screens are inserted in transportable components powered by battery, then information display is enabled, but the complexity and energy constraints make it impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing vehicle components multi-functional by integrating electrochromic films into them. These components simultaneously serve their original mechanical functions (ignition key operation, airbag housing, panel finishing) and information display functions. This eliminates the need for separate digital screen devices and their associated power management complexity, while enabling information communication throughout the vehicle interior.
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
Provides a cost-effective and energy-efficient means to change the appearance of vehicle components, enhancing visibility and adaptability while reducing weight and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic film (16) capable of changing its optical characteristics in response to an electric stimulus
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having a passenger compartment and at least one component, which is opaque and non-reflective and has at least one wall visible to an occupant of the passenger compartment. The component has: at least one electrochromic film covering the wall; and an electric circuit, which is connected to opposite ends of the electrochromic film and is configured to apply, when necessary, an electric voltage to the electrochromic film so as to change the optical characteristics of the electrochromic film.