Vehicle Light Transmission Switch Control for On-Demand Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light transmission switches in vehicle cabins are always on, leading to a complex interior impression and requiring occupants to memorize switch positions, compromising convenience and aesthetic design.
Innovation Solution
A control system that selectively turns on light transmission switches based on occupant requests or vehicle states, using translucent and opaque regions to manage light passage, incorporating seat memory, air conditioning, and driver assist functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all light transmission switches are always on, then occupants can always see switch positions, but the interior design becomes complex and visual clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switch visibility state changeable rather than fixed. The light transmission switches dynamically transition between translucent (visible) and opaque (hidden) states based on detection of occupant proximity or touch, allowing the system to adapt between always-visible and always-hidden extremes to resolve the contradiction between ease of operation and interior complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the switches in an opaque state and preparing the light transmission capability to be activated only when needed. The system detects occupant approach in advance and activates illumination selectively, so switches are visible before contact is made, preventing the need for continuous illumination while maintaining usability
2Device complexity
If all light transmission switches are always off, then interior design is simplified, but occupants cannot locate switch positions without memorization
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between opaque and translucent states based on real-time detection of occupant presence or interaction. When an occupant approaches or touches a switch, that specific switch becomes translucent to reveal its position and function, then returns to opaque state afterward, thus providing information on-demand without continuous display
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by using the occupant's own actions (approach or touch) as the trigger for information disclosure. The switch automatically transitions to visible state when the occupant needs it, and returns to hidden state when the interaction ends, eliminating the need for external control or continuous illumination
3Use of energy by stationary object
If light transmission switches are selectively turned on, then interior design is improved and energy is saved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves itself by using the occupant's physical interaction (proximity or touch) as the automatic trigger for selective illumination. The system detects which specific switch is being approached or touched and activates only that switch's light transmission, eliminating the need for complex centralized control logic while achieving energy savings through selective operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making each switch independently controllable with its own light transmission capability. Instead of controlling all switches uniformly, the system selectively activates illumination for only the specific switch region that the occupant is interacting with, allowing localized control that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining simplicity
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 occupant convenience by selectively illuminating only necessary switches, maintaining a well-designed cabin environment while responding to operational requests.
Implementation Method 1
a translucent region that allows light from a built-in light source to pass through a surface of a vehicle cabin interior material into a vehicle cabin
Implementation Method 2
an opaque region that blocks passage of the light into the vehicle cabin
Data Source
AI summary
Each of a plurality of light transmission switches includes a translucent region that allows light from a light source to pass through a surface of an instrument panel into a vehicle cabin, and an opaque region that blocks passage of the light into the vehicle cabin. It is determined, for each of the light transmission switches, whether a current situation is a situation in which an occupant makes a turn-on request to turn on the light transmission switch, or whether a current vehicle state is a vehicle state that allows turning on of the light transmission switch. At least one light transmission switch selected from the light transmission switches based on a determination result is switched to an on state. This makes it possible to achieve both convenience for the occupant to perform the switch operations and good interior design of the vehicle cabin.