Photochromic Window Tint Control for Autonomous Vehicle Sun Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in protecting their interior cabins from excessive sun exposure, which can lead to increased temperatures and discomfort for passengers, while also needing to manage visibility and privacy considerations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of photochromic windows controlled by a processor that determines a sun profile based on external camera images, allowing for dynamic tint adjustments to reduce sun projection and maintain optimal visibility and privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the window tint is made darker to reduce sun projection and protect interior components, then the protection level against sun exposure improves, but the visibility from inside the vehicle to outside deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic window tinting that automatically adjusts the tint level based on real-time sun position detection. The processor monitors external images to determine sun location and dynamically modifies the tint of electrochromic windows accordingly, allowing the system to maintain optimal visibility while providing sun protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective tinting where different windows or zones within windows have different tint levels. The processor determines which specific windows are exposed to sun and applies tint only to those areas, maintaining visibility in non-sun-exposed areas while protecting sun-exposed interior components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the window tint is made darker to protect interior components from sun exposure, then the protection level improves, but the ability of external observers to see inside the vehicle deteriorates (increasing privacy)
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts tint levels based on sun position rather than maintaining constant dark tint. When the sun is not directly exposing interior components, the tint is lightened to maintain normal visibility and privacy only when sun exposure requires protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor applies tint selectively to specific windows or zones that are currently exposed to sun, rather than uniformly darkening all windows. This localized approach protects sun-exposed interior components while maintaining visibility and normal privacy conditions in other areas.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are added to harvest energy, then the energy efficiency of the vehicle improves, but the temperature of the interior cabin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the window surfaces into different functional zones: some windows with solar panels for energy harvesting and others without (or with different tint levels) to control heat entry. The processor identifies which windows should harvest energy versus which should provide thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different properties to different windows: solar panels are installed on windows oriented to maximize energy capture, while windows exposed to direct sun that would overheat the cabin are equipped with dynamic tinting to block heat while allowing solar energy harvesting on other windows.
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 effectively regulates sun exposure within the vehicle, enhancing passenger comfort by controlling temperature and visibility, while adhering to jurisdictional tinting laws and minimizing unwanted attention from external observers.
Implementation Method 1
An example vehicle includes photochromic windows and a processor. The processor determines a sun profile based on images of an area external to the vehicle captured by a camera. The processor also determines a protection mode to reduce a current sun projection on an interior of the vehicle based on the sun profile. The processor also individually sets tint levels on the photochromic windows based on the determined protection mode.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling window tint levels to protect the interior cabin of an autonomous vehicle. An example vehicle includes photochromic windows and a processor. The processor determines a sun profile based on images of an area external to the vehicle captured by a camera. The processor also determines a protection mode to reduce a current sun projection on an interior of the vehicle based on the sun profile. The processor also individually sets tint levels on the photochromic windows based on the determined protection mode.