Electrochromic Visor Dynamics for Solar Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar glare reduction systems, such as opaque and semi-transparent visors, are inefficient in dynamically adjusting to varying sunlight positions and intensities, leading to reduced visibility and increased risk of accidents while driving near the horizon.
Innovation Solution
A dimmable visor system featuring an electro-opaque sheet with variable transparency, controlled by transparent electrodes and drive electronics, allowing for automatic adjustment of light intensity through electrical energy application, and optionally incorporating photocells for ambient light detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If opaque visors are used to block solar glare, then sunlight blocking capability is improved, but the viewing window area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrochromic technology to create a dynamically adjustable visor that can transition between transparent and opaque states. The electrochromic layer changes its optical properties in response to electrical signals, allowing the visor to adapt its transparency level rather than being fixed in one state, thus resolving the contradiction between glare blocking and viewing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The visor's optical parameters (transparency/opacity) are changed through electrical control of the electrochromic layer. By adjusting the voltage applied to the electrochromic material, the visor can continuously vary its light transmission properties, enabling optimal balance between glare reduction and viewing area based on environmental conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed opacity filters are used in transparent visors, then sunlight filtering capability is improved, but adaptability to varying sunlight conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic visor transitions from a static filter to a dynamic system that can adjust its optical properties in real-time. The visor responds to changing sunlight conditions by modifying its transparency level through electrical control, providing continuous adaptation rather than fixed filtering increments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect ambient light conditions and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the visor to automatically adjust its opacity level in response to varying sunlight intensity, position, and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of fixed filters.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual adjustment of visor filters is required, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic visor system performs self-adjustment based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system autonomously monitors environmental conditions and adjusts its transparency accordingly, freeing the driver from manual filter adjustment while maintaining optimal glare protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual adjustment mechanism with an electrical control system. Instead of physically moving or changing filters, the system uses electrical signals to control the optical properties of the electrochromic layer, substituting mechanical operation with electronic control for improved ease of use.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the visor is rotated at a greater angle to block more sunlight, then solar glare reduction is improved, but the windshield viewing area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the physical position or angle of the visor, the system changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the visor material itself. By adjusting the electrochromic layer's opacity, the visor can block varying amounts of sunlight while remaining in a fixed position that maximizes the viewing window area.
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 dimmable visor system effectively reduces solar glare by dynamically adjusting transparency in response to changing sunlight conditions, enhancing driver visibility and safety by minimizing the need for manual adjustments and maintaining a larger viewing window.
Implementation Method 1
the electro-opaque sheet changes its transparency in response to electrical energy being applied to the electro-opaque sheet
Implementation Method 2
optionally incorporating photocells for ambient light detection
Data Source
AI summary
A dimmable visor is disclosed. In one embodiment, the visor includes a first clear sheet having a first surface and an electro-opaque sheet having a first surface and a second surface and having adjustably variable transparency. The first surface of the electro-opaque sheet is in contact with the first surface of the first clear sheet. The visor also includes a pair of transparent electrodes disposed on two opposite edges of the electro-opaque sheet, each of the transparent electrodes having an area smaller than the electro-opaque sheet. The visor also includes a second clear sheet having a first surface in contact with the second surface of the electro-opaque sheet. The visor also includes a suspension hinge attached to one edge of the first clear sheet and is configured to rotate about the suspension hinge. The electro-opaque sheet changes its transparency in response to electrical energy being applied to the electro-opaque sheet.