Liquid Crystal Vehicle Glazing for Dynamic Sunlight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sun protection systems in vehicles, such as tinted glass and mechanical shades, fail to effectively control direct sunlight, leading to glare and heat-related issues that increase fuel consumption and reduce driver visibility, while also being inadequate in adapting to changing conditions and potentially interfering with airbag deployment.
Innovation Solution
The integration of liquid crystal display technology into vehicle window glazings, allowing for fully clear windows that can be dimmed to various levels of light attenuation through individually controlled liquid crystal zones, with automatic and manual control systems to optimize visibility and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tinted glass is used in the glazings, then sunlight blocking is improved, but visibility in dark conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies liquid crystal technology that allows the glazing to dynamically change its light transmission properties. The glazing can switch between clear and tinted states based on real-time conditions, providing sunlight blocking when needed while maintaining visibility in dark conditions. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by making the tinting variable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the glazing by using liquid crystal zones that can alter their light transmission characteristics. By applying electrical signals, the liquid crystal material changes its state to either block or transmit light, allowing the system to adjust the degree of tinting and maintain optimal visibility across different lighting conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blocking shades are deployed to block sunlight, then heat and glare reduction is improved, but driver visibility and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the glazing into multiple independently controllable liquid crystal zones. Each zone can be selectively activated to block sunlight only in areas where it is needed, while leaving other areas clear to maintain driver visibility. This localized control allows the system to reduce heat and glare without compromising the driver's view of the road.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical sun visors are used, then sunlight blocking is improved, but device complexity and potential airbag interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sun visors with an electronically controlled liquid crystal system integrated into the glazing. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical deployment mechanisms, moving parts, and potential airbag interference while achieving the same sunlight blocking function through electrical control of the liquid crystal material's optical properties.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed tinting is applied to block sunlight, then heat blocking is improved, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where liquid crystal zones can be independently controlled to adjust their tinting level in real-time. The system can adapt to changing sunlight conditions, vehicle orientation, and thermal requirements by selectively activating or deactivating specific zones, providing both heat blocking and adaptability simultaneously.
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
This solution provides improved driver visibility and reduced fuel consumption by dynamically controlling sunlight, minimizing driver attention, and ensuring maximum visibility and energy efficiency while avoiding mechanical obstructions that could interfere with airbag deployment.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of liquid crystal zones are laminated into one or more glazings of the vehicle, wherein each liquid crystal zone attenuates light transmission in proportion to a respective drive signal applied across the respective liquid crystal zone
Data Source
AI summary
A sun protection system for a transportation vehicle has plurality of LCD zones laminated into one or more glazings of the vehicle. An occupant sensor detects an expanse of at least one occupant in the vehicle. A navigation system determines a vehicle location, a date and time value, and a heading. External and internal temperature sensors sense outside and inside temperatures. A controller generates respective drive signals for the respective LCD zones in a manual mode and in an automatic mode. The controller compares a temperature difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature to a temperature threshold. The respective drive signals provide substantially zero attenuation if the temperature difference is less than the temperature threshold while in the automatic mode.