Ski Goggle Light Sensor Override for Fog-Safe Darkening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glasses devices with darkening elements and light sensors lack user control over the darkening function, particularly in conditions like fog or rain, leading to reduced visibility and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a manually operable switch-off unit and a mechanical cover element for the light sensor unit, allowing users to manually control or mechanically block the sensor signal, ensuring the darkening element can be switched off or adjusted to ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the darkening element is automatically controlled by the light sensor unit based on ambient brightness, then the convenience of automatic adaptation is improved, but the ability to manually override in adverse conditions (fog, rain) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent parts: the automatic light sensor unit and the manual switch-off unit. This allows both automatic control and manual override to function simultaneously without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between convenience and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the automatic system to detect when manual override is needed, the invention inverts the approach by providing a direct manual switch-off mechanism that actively disables the automatic control when needed. This gives users direct control in adverse conditions while maintaining automatic operation in normal conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the darkening element is controlled by electrical components requiring power, then the functionality and precision are improved, but the reliability in situations with limited or no electrical power deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor unit is designed to be self-powered through photoelectric conversion, eliminating the need for external electrical power sources. The sensor generates its own operating voltage from ambient light, ensuring the system remains functional even when external power is unavailable, thus resolving the contradiction between precision control and reliability.
3Speed
If the light sensor unit is always exposed to ambient brightness, then the responsiveness of darkening adjustment is improved, but the ability to completely switch off darkening in specific conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The switch-off unit extracts and separates the manual override function from the automatic control system. By providing a dedicated mechanical or electrical switch that directly controls the darkening element independently of the light sensor, the invention enables complete switch-off capability while preserving the responsive automatic adjustment feature, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and ease of operation.
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 user comfort and safety by enabling individual control over darkening, ensuring clear vision in all conditions, including fog or rain, without reliance on electrical power.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor unit (16), which is configured to generate a sensor signal dependent on an ambient brightness
Implementation Method 2
at least one darkening element, in particular a liquid crystal cell, which is configured for darkening at least one subregion of the see-through unit
Data Source
AI summary
A glasses device, in particular ski goggles, sunglasses, motorcycle goggles, or the like, has a see-through unit, which includes at least one darkening element, in particular a liquid crystal cell, which is configured for darkening at least one subregion of the see-through unit, and has a light sensor unit, which is configured to generate a sensor signal dependent on an ambient brightness, which is the basis for a degree, in particular set automatically, of an, in particular variable, darkening of the darkening element, wherein the glasses device has a switch-off unit, which provides at least one, in particular manually operable, switch-off function for the sensor signal of the light sensor unit.