Modular LCD Visor for Vehicle Sunlight Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manually deployable visors in vehicles fail to effectively block high-intensity light sources like the sun without disrupting the driver's view, often obstructing important road signs and requiring head repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A modular liquid crystal display (LCD) visor system that automatically adjusts its opacity based on detected illumination levels using sensors and controllers to minimize light disruption while maintaining visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional manually deployable visor is used to block sunlight, then the sun can be blocked from disrupting the driver's view, but the visor blocks the view of high mounted road signs and stop lights
Solution Approach 1:
The visor is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones that can be selectively activated. This allows only the portions needed to block sunlight while leaving other areas transparent, preserving the driver's view of road signs and stop lights.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the visor have different optical properties - some areas are opaque to block sunlight while other areas remain transparent to maintain visibility of important road elements. This spatial variation in properties resolves the contradiction between blocking light and preserving view.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the driver repositions their head to allow the visor to block the sun, then sunlight disruption is reduced, but the driver must constantly adjust their position which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The visor system automatically detects sunlight conditions and adjusts its own configuration without requiring driver intervention. Sensors detect the position and intensity of sunlight, and the system autonomously activates the appropriate segments, eliminating the need for the driver to reposition their head.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of the visor by the driver is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and actuators to adjust the visor segments automatically, improving ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional visor is deployed to block the sun, then sunlight can be blocked, but the deployed visor itself becomes disruptive to the driver's view
Solution Approach 1:
The visor transitions from a uniform opaque structure to a selectively transparent structure where only the minimum necessary areas are opaque. This reduces the overall obstruction to the driver's view while still effectively blocking sunlight in the critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The visor changes its optical properties dynamically based on real-time sunlight conditions rather than remaining statically opaque when deployed. This allows the visor to block sunlight only when and where needed, minimizing unnecessary obstruction to the driver's view.
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 system effectively blocks high-intensity light sources, improving driver safety by reducing visual obstruction and allowing for clear views of the road and important signs without requiring head movement.
Implementation Method 1
each LCD pixel configured to, (i) in an opaque state, block light from passing through a corresponding area of the respective LCD panel module and, (ii) in a transparent state, allow light to pass through the corresponding area of the respective LCD panel module
Data Source
AI summary
A modular virtual visor system is for a vehicle disclosed. The modular virtual visor system includes camera for detecting an illumination level on a face of a driver; a plurality of LCD panel modules mounted within the vehicle, and a controller. Each LCD panel module has LCD pixels configured to, (i) in an opaque state, block light from passing through the LCD screen and, (ii) in a transparent state, allow light to pass through the LCD panel module. The controller is configured to selectively operate each of the LCD pixels of each LCD panel module in either the opaque state or the transparent state so as to block high intensity light sources from shining on the face of the driver.