Optical Assembly with Solar-Driven Dimming for Automotive Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive interior parts made of plastics or leather suffer from aging and deformation due to lack of insulation in car windows, and drivers are exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly comprising a light shielding structure that absorbs ultraviolet and infrared light to generate electrical energy, which controls a dimming structure to adjust light transmittance, using transparent electrodes and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer to manage light scattering and transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a reflective metal insulation composite film or low-radiation coating layer is attached on the inner surface of the car window to achieve temperature control, then the insulation effect is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated optical assembly that includes UV protection, heat insulation, and intelligent dimming control. The light shielding structure with solar cells and the dimming structure with PDLC film are merged into one unit, eliminating the need for separate reflective films or coating layers while achieving superior temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the light shielding structure blocks UV rays and generates electrical energy via solar cells, the dimming structure controls visible light transmission, and the entire assembly provides thermal insulation. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate insulation films and coatings.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ordinary window glass is used to block some UV rays, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the UV protection effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures including a light shielding structure with UV-absorbing layers and a dimming structure with polymer dispersed liquid crystal film. These composite materials provide superior UV blocking capability compared to ordinary glass, while the solar cells convert blocked UV energy into useful electrical energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts harmful UV radiation into beneficial electrical energy through solar cells integrated into the light shielding structure. The UV rays that would otherwise damage interior parts and harm occupants are now harnessed to power the electrochromic dimming function and other electronic components.
3Temperature
If the car window provides no insulation, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the interior parts suffer from aging and deformation due to heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly uses composite material structures including multi-layer glass substrates, metal oxide coatings, polymer dispersed liquid crystal film, and encapsulation layers. These composite materials provide excellent thermal insulation properties that protect interior parts from heat-induced aging and deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested multi-layer structure where the dimming structure is positioned between the first and second glass substrates, and the light shielding structure with solar cells is integrated on the outer surface. This nested arrangement creates multiple thermal barriers that effectively insulate the interior while protecting materials from thermal degradation.
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
Effectively utilizes solar radiation energy, shields ultraviolet radiation, and intelligently controls light transmittance to reduce heat and UV exposure, enhancing safety and energy efficiency in car windows.
Implementation Method 1
A light shielding structure is disposed on a surface of the second substrate opposite to the first substrate. The light shielding structure forms a solar cell that is configured to absorb at least one of ultraviolet light, near-ultraviolet light, infrared light in the sunlight and output an electrical control signal
Implementation Method 2
a dimming structure configured to adjust light transmittance in response to the electrical control signal
Implementation Method 3
using transparent electrodes and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer to manage light scattering and transmittance
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical assembly for an optical device. The optical assembly comprises a first substrate and a second substrate opposite the first substrate. A dimming structure is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A light shielding structure is disposed on a surface of the second substrate opposite to the first substrate. The light shielding structure is configured to absorb at least one of ultraviolet light, near-ultraviolet light, infrared light, or far-infrared light in the sunlight and output an electrical control signal, and the dimming structure is configured to adjust light transmittance in response to the electrical control signal.