Multi-Region Electro-Optic Element for Glare and Sensor Light Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-optic elements with single uniform regions reduce sensor performance by limiting light availability and create aesthetically unpleasing appearances when multiple regions are used, as they require seals or barriers for independent operation.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optic element with multiple regions, where each region can be independently activated or deactivated based on electrical potential, eliminating the need for seals or barriers, and allowing for selective light transmittance and color transmittance differences of up to 20, 10, or 5 percent between regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electro-optic elements are divided into multiple regions to provide independent control, then region-specific functionality is improved, but seals or barriers are required which create aesthetically unpleasing appearances
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic element is divided into multiple independent regions (first region and second region) that can be selectively activated or deactivated independently of each other, allowing region-specific control while maintaining a unified structure without visible seals or barriers
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electro-optic element can exhibit different optical properties (transmittance, color) simultaneously, with each region having tailored characteristics optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall aesthetic unity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electro-optic elements are activated to reduce glare, then glare reduction is improved, but sensor performance deteriorates due to reduced light availability
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic element is segmented into a first region for glare reduction and a second region for sensor alignment, allowing independent control where the sensor-aligned region remains unactivated to maintain high light transmittance while the other region is activated to reduce glare
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions have different optical states - one region maintains high transmittance for sensor performance while another region is activated to provide glare reduction, with each region optimized for its specific function
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 enables improved sensor performance by maintaining high light transmittance in regions aligned with sensors while reducing glare, and provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance without the need for seals or barriers, allowing for selective activation of regions for enhanced functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-optic medium may be operable between substantially activated and substantially un-activated states based, at least in part, on to exposure to an electrical potential
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optic element having multiple regions is disclosed. The electro-optic element comprises an electro-optic medium disposed between two electrodes. Further, the electro-optic medium is operable between activated and un-activated states based, at least in part, on exposure to an electrical potential. In some embodiments, in response to an electrical potential of a first polarity, the electro-optic medium may be substantially activated in one region and substantially un-activated in another region. In response to an electrical potential of a second polarity opposite the first polarity, the electro-optic medium may be substantially activated in both regions. In other embodiments, the electro-optic medium is operably activated such that electro-optic medium is activated in one region and un-activated in another region, regardless of polarity.