Multi-Zone Vehicle Window Dimming Control via Electro-Optic Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window control systems for vehicles lack the ability to dynamically and independently adjust light transmittance across multiple zones of windows based on external and internal light conditions, occupant location, and vehicle direction, leading to discomfort and glare issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone window control system that includes electro-optic devices, sensors (exterior, interior, and occupancy), and a controller to generate light intensity maps and adjust transmittance across various dimming zones, allowing for independent control of each zone to optimize light entry based on environmental and occupant-specific factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-zone window control system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to reduce glare and discomfort in specific zones is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into multiple independently controllable zones, each with its own dimming control. This segmentation allows selective adjustment of light transmittance in specific zones where glare or discomfort occurs, without requiring dimming of the entire window, thus reducing harmful effects while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular zone control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the window are assigned different transmittance properties based on local lighting conditions and occupant needs. The system applies local quality by allowing each zone to have independent dimming characteristics, enabling precise control over light distribution to eliminate glare in specific areas while maintaining visibility in others.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-zone independent control is implemented, then the adaptability to different lighting conditions and occupant locations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is segmented into multiple controllable zones, each capable of independent dimming. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to different lighting conditions and occupant locations by selectively adjusting individual zones, providing high adaptability while managing complexity through standardized zone control modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the transmittance of each zone based on real-time sensor inputs regarding lighting conditions and occupant presence. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt continuously to changing conditions, optimizing comfort and energy efficiency while the controller manages the complexity of coordinating multiple zones.
3Ease of operation
If the entire window is dimmed uniformly, then the glare reduction is simplified, but the lighting comfort in different zones cannot be optimized independently
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly dimming the entire window, the system segments the window into multiple zones that can be independently controlled. This allows selective dimming of only those zones experiencing glare or excessive light, maintaining ease of operation through automated zone-based control while optimizing light transmittance distribution across different areas of the window.
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 reduces glare and discomfort by dynamically adjusting light transmittance across multiple zones, ensuring a comfortable lighting environment within the vehicle by considering external light conditions, occupant locations, and vehicle orientation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electro-optic device, each of the at least one electro-optic devices configured to control the transmittance of light through one of the at least one dimming zones
Data Source
AI summary
A window control system includes a plurality of electro-optic devices configured to control a transmittance of light through each of the plurality of zones, and at least one sensor configured to identify an intensity of light transmitted through the at least one window. A controller k in communication with the electro-optic devices and the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to independently control the transmittance of the light through each of the zones based on at least one of a direction of the light and an intensity of the light detected in a passenger compartment of a vehicle.