Panoramic Windshield with Switchable Blind
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive glazing technologies, such as panoramic windshields and sunroofs, face challenges in providing adequate light control and vision due to the reliance on dark tinted glass and mechanical shading systems, which limit light transmittance, increase weight, and reduce headroom, while also being aesthetically unappealing and costly.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electrically switchable materials like PDLC and SPD films between glass layers, segmented into separate circuits to emulate window blinds, allowing for programmable light control and reduced weight, with a controlling means that can be operated via a user interface and integrated with sound and display features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If dark tinted glass is used for panoramic windshields and sunroofs, then light control is improved, but light transmittance is reduced and headroom is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrochromic glass technology that allows the windshield and sunroof to dynamically change their light transmittance properties. The glass can switch between clear and tinted states based on driving conditions, time of day, or user preference, providing adaptive light control without permanently reducing light transmittance. This resolves the contradiction by making the light control property dynamic rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the glass by integrating electrochromic materials that can alter their light absorption characteristics. By applying electrical voltage, the glass transitions between different light transmittance states, enabling precise control over illumination intensity while maintaining the ability to maximize light intake when needed.
2Illumination intensity
If mechanical shading systems are integrated, then light control is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical shading systems (blinds, shades, or shutters) with an electro-optical solution using electrochromic glass. Instead of moving mechanical parts to block light, the glass itself changes its optical properties through electrical control. This eliminates complex mechanical mechanisms, reducing device complexity and weight while maintaining effective light control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the ability of electrochromic materials to change their optical appearance (from clear to tinted) in response to electrical stimuli. This color/optical property change provides light control functionality without requiring any mechanical moving parts, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Area of moving object
If panoramic windshield extends vertical edges to wrap around A-pillar area, then viewing angle is improved, but optical quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the panoramic windshield. The electrochromic glass can be segmented into independent zones that can be controlled separately, allowing optimal optical quality in critical viewing areas while maintaining extended geometry. The ability to locally adjust tint in different sections enables the system to maintain high optical quality where needed while achieving panoramic viewing angles.
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 provides extended vertical viewing angles, improved natural light, reduced aerodynamic drag, and precise light control without compromising headroom, while being lighter, less complex, and easier to assemble, with the ability to maximize solar energy intake in cold climates.
Implementation Method 1
The presently disclosed invention is directed to the use of electrically controlled variable light transmittance films, such as PDLC and SPD in a panoramic automotive glazing
Implementation Method 2
The presently disclosed invention is directed to the use of electrically controlled variable light transmittance films, such as PDLC and SPD in a panoramic automotive glazing
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle windshield (14) with a top edge (15) extended such as to provide a lower drag coefficient and giving the driver a wider panoramic vertical viewing angle and having an integrated shading means, having no movable parts and utilizing a material which is capable changing its light transmittance electrically and with a controlling means which mimics the aesthetics of a conventional mechanical blind. Aspects of the various embodiments include: switchable segmented sun visors (22), integrated solid state lighting, a mounting means for attachment of a center console, a controlling means, a user programmable interface, a touch screen interface, touch sensitive activation, a sound emitting means, inclusion of substantially the entire roof, inclusion of substantially the entire roof and the rear window (12), and any combination of a tinted, heat reflecting, heat absorbing or photochromic coating, film or interlayer in all or a portion of the glazing area.