Heated Solar Sun Shade for Windshield Condensate Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sun shades and solar panels face inefficiencies in energy usage and visibility issues due to condensate occlusion, such as frost or snow, which hinder solar energy collection and vehicle window clarity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of stowable and portable solar panels with heaters that clear moisture occlusion and heat vehicle windows, using elongate heaters and solar cells to mitigate condensate on windshields and windows, and integration of solar panels into vehicle glass and roof components with heat sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are installed on vehicle sun shades and windows, then energy collection capability is improved, but visibility and solar collection are inhibited when moisture or condensate occlusion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar panels with heating elements into an integrated assembly where the heating element is positioned in thermal contact with the solar panel. This merged structure allows the heating element to directly warm the solar panel surface, clearing condensate and moisture occlusion that would otherwise block solar energy collection, thereby maintaining reliable energy collection in cold and humid conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of cold temperatures that cause condensate occlusion into a beneficial heating function. By incorporating heating elements that can be activated to warm the solar panel surface, the system transforms the problem of cold-induced moisture accumulation into an opportunity to actively clear occlusion and maintain optimal solar collection performance.
2Reliability
If heaters are added to solar panels to clear condensate occlusion, then solar collection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element and solar panel are merged into a single integrated assembly rather than separate components. The heating element is positioned in direct thermal contact with the solar panel, eliminating the need for additional mounting structures, wiring harnesses, and control mechanisms that would be required for separate heating systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the solar panel collects solar energy while the heating element clears condensate occlusion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate defrosting systems, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the system architecture while improving reliability in inclement weather.
3Area of stationary object
If solar panels are integrated into vehicle glass and roof components, then available real estate for solar collection is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collection system is segmented into modular integrated assemblies that can be independently manufactured and then installed on vehicle components. Each assembly contains solar panels and heating elements configured as a complete functional unit, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes and simplifying the integration into various vehicle glass and roof components regardless of size or shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are constructed using flexible thin-film technology that can be conformally applied to curved surfaces of vehicle roofs and glass components. This flexible film approach eliminates the need for rigid panel structures and complex mounting hardware, allowing for simplified manufacturing and easy integration into various vehicle geometries while maximizing the available surface area for solar collection.
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 energy efficiency by maintaining solar panel functionality and clearing condensate from vehicle windows, ensuring continuous energy collection and improved visibility in inclement weather.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one solar cell is provided in the light receiving portion
Implementation Method 2
delivering power to the heat source; and generating heat from the heat source responsive to delivering power to the heat source to heat the at least one solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sun shade is provided having a sun shade, at least one solar cell, and a heat source. The sun shade has a light receiving portion configured to be carried beneath a vehicle wind shield. The at least one solar cell is provided in the light receiving portion. The heat source is provided proximate the at least one solar cell traversing the light receiving portion configured to mitigate condensate occlusion of the at least one solar cell on a vehicle wind shield. A method is also provided.