Location-Based Electro-Optic Window Transmissivity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window technologies do not effectively adjust light transmissivity based on geographic location, failing to comply with varying legal requirements across different jurisdictions.

Innovation Solution

A window assembly equipped with an electro-optic device, a geographic positioning system, and a controller that automatically or manually adjusts light transmissivity based on detected location, ensuring compliance with local regulations and user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the window uses a fixed light transmissivity setting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different geographic locations and legal requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different geographic locationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The window assembly integrates multiple functions into a single system: the electro-optic device serves both as a light control mechanism and a compliance device for different jurisdictions. The controller combines GPS functionality with transmissivity control, creating a universal system that adapts to various geographic locations and legal requirements without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The window system transitions from a static fixed transmissivity design to a dynamic adjustable system. The electro-optic device allows real-time modification of light transmissivity based on geographic location detected by GPS and user preferences, enabling the window to adapt its properties dynamically rather than being constrained to a single fixed state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the window allows full manual adjustment range, then the ease of operation is improved, but the compliance with local legal requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcompliance with local legal requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the vehicle's geographic location via GPS and compares it against stored legal requirements for different jurisdictions. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust the electro-optic device to comply with local laws while still allowing manual override within compliance boundaries, maintaining both ease of operation and legal reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the user's manual adjustment desires and the legal compliance requirements. It mediates by allowing manual adjustment only within the legally permitted range for the current jurisdiction, blocking adjustments that would violate local laws, thus reconciling user convenience with legal obligations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the window automatically adjusts transmissivity, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The window system implements self-service functionality where the controller automatically detects geographic location via GPS, retrieves applicable legal requirements, and adjusts the electro-optic device transmissivity without requiring active user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously making compliance decisions based on real-time location data and stored regulatory information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing legal transmissivity requirements for multiple jurisdictions in the controller's memory before travel. When the vehicle enters a new jurisdiction, the system has already have the compliance parameters ready, enabling immediate automatic adjustment without delay for information retrieval or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution allows for seamless adjustment of light transmissivity as the vehicle moves across different jurisdictions, ensuring legal compliance and user-defined settings, enhancing functionality and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

a window having an electro-optic device configured to limit light transmissivity through the window

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentEP3551826B1Location based adjustable windows
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 GENTEX CORP
  • EP3551826B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3551826B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A window assembly includes a window having an electro-optic device configured to limit light transmissivity through the window and a geographic positioning system. A controller is in communication with the geographic positioning system and is configured to limit a range of light transmissivity of the electro optic device based on a location detected by the geographic positioning system. A manual adjustment control configured to allow a user to adjust the light transmissivity of the window based on the range of light transmissivity provided by the controller.