PDLC Vehicle Sunshade for Automatic Windshield Glare Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Changing light conditions while operating a vehicle can cause strong sunlight or glare, affecting the operator's visibility through the windshield, and existing sun visors require manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A sunshade assembly with a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film and a drive apparatus that automatically adjusts between transparent and opaque states, using GPS, compass, and sunlight sensors to block glare, and moves between retracted and extended positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual sun visor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the operator must manually rotate it downward to block sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The sun visor system automatically detects sunlight conditions using sensors and adjusts its position and transparency without operator intervention. The controller monitors light levels and autonomously activates the drive apparatus to extend or retract the sunshade, and switches the PDLC film between transparent and opaque states, making the system self-regulating and eliminating manual operation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical rotation of the sun visor is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. The drive apparatus uses an electric motor with gear mechanisms to provide linear motion for extending and retracting the sunshade, while electrical control replaces manual operation. The PDLC film uses electro-optic effects to change transparency through electrical voltage application, substituting manual adjustment with automated electrical control
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sunshade is always extended to block glare, then the harmful factors from sunlight are reduced, but the visibility through the windshield deteriorates when sunlight is not an issue
Solution Approach 1:
The sunshade system dynamically adjusts its position and transparency based on real-time sunlight conditions. The controller continuously monitors light levels and sun position, automatically extending or retracting the sunshade to the appropriate degree, and switching the PDLC film between transparent and opaque states. This dynamic adaptation ensures glare blocking only when necessary, maintaining optimal visibility under varying light conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the sunshade by controlling the PDLC film's transparency state. When sunlight glare is detected, the controller applies voltage to switch the PDLC film from transparent to opaque, or partially transparent, thereby changing the light transmission parameter. The position parameter is also adjusted by extending or retracting the sunshade to the calculated optimal position based on sun location and vehicle orientation
3Productivity
If the sunshade position is manually adjusted, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates because the operator must stop and adjust the visor during changing light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sun visor system automatically detects sunlight conditions using sensors and adjusts its position and transparency without operator intervention. The controller monitors light levels and autonomously activates the drive apparatus to extend or retract the sunshade, and switches the PDLC film between transparent and opaque states, making the system self-regulating and eliminating manual operation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sunlight sensors to continuously monitor light conditions and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the sunshade position and PDLC film transparency in real-time. This closed-loop control system ensures the sunshade responds dynamically to changing light conditions without requiring operator input, maintaining optimal visibility and glare protection throughout vehicle operation
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 sunshade assembly enhances visibility by automatically blocking sunlight glare, improving operator comfort and visibility under varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A sunshade including a frame, and a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film secured in a frame
Implementation Method 2
The PDLC film is selectably switchable between a transparent state and an opaque state
Data Source
AI summary
A sunshade assembly of a vehicle includes a sunshade including a frame, and a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film secured in a frame. A drive apparatus is operably connected to the sunshade to urge the sunshade between a retracted position between a roof panel and a headliner of the vehicle and an extended position protruding from the headliner. A method of operating a sunshade of a vehicle includes determining a level of sunlight glare on an operator of the vehicle and comparing the level of sunlight glare to a predetermined threshold. A sunshade, including a PDLC film, is moved between a retracted position between a headliner and a roof panel of the vehicle and an extended position partially across a windshield of the vehicle. The PDLC film is selectably energized to change the opacity of the PDLC film in response to the determined level of sunlight glare.