Electrochromic Vehicle Window Dynamic Status Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochromic assemblies for vehicle windows lack the ability to dynamically display various statuses and messages in a visually engaging and efficient manner, relying on simple opacity changes that do not effectively convey complex information.
Innovation Solution
Integration of multiple electrochromic layers with distinct energized and non-energized states, allowing for oscillation between transparency and opacity to create dynamic display effects, such as a 'charging heartbeat', and the ability to shape sections into symbols, logos, or text, controlled by an electrochromic control unit connected to vehicle systems and user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple electrochromic layers are used to display complex statuses and messages, then the information communication capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into multiple independently controllable electrochromic layers, each capable of displaying different information or visual states. This segmentation allows complex information to be communicated through coordinated operation of simpler individual layers, resolving the contradiction between information capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic layers oscillate between transparent and opaque states in periodic patterns to create dynamic display effects such as the 'charging heartbeat' indicator. This periodic action enables complex status communication through simple repetitive state changes, improving information conveyance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Loss of information
If electrochromic layers oscillate between transparent and opaque states to create dynamic display effects, then the visual engagement and status communication are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic oscillation of electrochromic layers between transparent and opaque states to create attention-catching visual cues for status communication. The oscillation patterns are designed to be energy-efficient while maintaining effective status indication, resolving the contradiction between communication effectiveness and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic layers change their optical properties (transparency/opacity) to create visual displays that communicate vehicle status. This optical change mechanism provides energy-efficient status communication compared to traditional illuminated displays, addressing the energy consumption concern while maintaining effective status conveyance.
3Loss of information
If smaller sections of electrochromic layers are shaped as symbols, logos, or text for status display, then the information specificity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic window is segmented into multiple layers that can be independently patterned with specific shapes, symbols, or text. Each layer can be manufactured with standardized precision requirements, and the specific information display is achieved through selective activation patterns rather than requiring extremely precise manufacturing of each individual symbol, thus resolving the contradiction between information specificity and manufacturing precision.
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 the vehicle window to effectively communicate vehicle statuses, such as charging or self-driving modes, through customizable and attention-catching visual cues, enhancing user awareness and interaction with the vehicle without obstructing transparency when not needed.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromic materials undergo a reversible change when reduction (gain of electrons) or oxidation (loss of electrons) occurs when electrode potential is applied
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic vehicle window is disclosed. The electrochromic vehicle window comprises a plurality of electrochromic layers, each electrochromic layer having a different color or different visual properties. Each electrochromic layer independently oscillates between varying degrees of transparency to indicate the status of a vehicle, such as that the vehicle is charging.