Transparent LCD Window Shade for Vehicle Sunroof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window shade systems for vehicles require multiple components and space in the passenger compartment, and cannot fully cover sunroofs without large panels, often failing to properly block light.

Innovation Solution

A window display device with a transparent liquid crystal display screen integrated into the vehicle window glass, allowing for adjustable shading without additional panels or rails, using a capacitive sensor and control system to manage light transmittance and shade operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If shade panels and rails are installed in the passenger compartment, then light blocking function is provided, but the number of components increases and passenger compartment space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight blockingVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a display screen that displays a virtual image of a shade panel instead of installing a physical shade panel. The display screen shows a graphical representation that mimics the appearance and function of a real shade, allowing users to control light blocking through digital means rather than physical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical shade panels and rails with an electronic display system. The display screen, controlled by a microcomputer, substitutes for the mechanical shading mechanism, eliminating the need for physical moving parts while achieving the same light blocking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shade panels and rails are installed in the passenger compartment, then light blocking function is provided, but passenger compartment space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight blockingVSAvoidpassenger compartment space
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a display screen that displays a virtual image of a shade panel instead of installing a physical shade panel. The display screen shows a graphical representation that mimics the appearance and function of a real shade, allowing users to control light blocking through digital means rather than physical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical shade panels and rails with an electronic display system. The display screen, controlled by a microcomputer, substitutes for the mechanical shading mechanism, eliminating the need for physical moving parts while achieving the same light blocking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If shade panels smaller than sunroof size are used, then component size is reduced, but the entire sunroof opening cannot be covered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshade panel sizeVSAvoidlight blocking coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the display screen serve multiple functions: it displays information, shows virtual shade panels, and provides the actual shading function through its display capabilities. The same display screen that shows graphics can also block light when needed, eliminating the need for separate shade panels of various sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a display screen that displays a virtual image of a shade panel instead of installing a physical shade panel. The display screen shows a graphical representation that mimics the appearance and function of a real shade, allowing users to control light blocking through digital means rather than physical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Volume of moving object

If small shade panels are used, then installation space is reduced, but proper light blocking fails to be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshade panel sizeVSAvoidlight blocking effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the display screen serve multiple functions: it displays information, shows virtual shade panels, and provides the actual shading function through its display capabilities. The same display screen that shows graphics can also block light when needed, eliminating the need for separate shade panels of various sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a display screen that displays a virtual image of a shade panel instead of installing a physical shade panel. The display screen shows a graphical representation that mimics the appearance and function of a real shade, allowing users to control light blocking through digital means rather than physical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

Reduces the number of components and space requirements in the passenger compartment, provides full window shading without gaps, and allows for adjustable transparency and shade operation via simple gestures, enhancing comfort and privacy while maintaining visibility.

Implementation Method 1

transparent liquid crystal display screen integrated into the vehicle window glass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

using a capacitive sensor and control system to manage light transmittance and shade operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3006239B1Window display device
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 TOYOTA SHATAI KK
  • EP3006239B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3006239B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4
  • EP3006239B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~6

AI summary

A window display device includes a display screen (61) provided in a transparent rear window glass pane (34) of a vehicle (31), an operating means (38) adapted to detect an action for operating the display screen, and a control means (79), which displays a shade on the display screen. The shade is movable to selectively open and close the display screen based on an action performed on the operating means.