Segmented Vehicle Window Darkening for Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle sun visor technologies do not effectively automatically adjust windshield or side window darkening based on both the position of the sun and the occupant's eye position, lacking manual correction capabilities and efficient glare management.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle with a controller that automatically selects partial or segmental darkening of the windshield or side window based on sun position and occupant eye position, incorporating manual correction features and glare detection, using multiple light-sensitive elements and an adjustable glare limit value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic sun visor functionality is implemented using controller with sun position and eye position sensors, then glare protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield or side window is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones. Each segment can be selectively darkened based on the position of the sun and the occupant's eye position, allowing precise glare protection only where needed rather than darkening the entire window.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the window pane are assigned different darkening properties or transparency levels. The darkening is applied locally to specific segments rather than uniformly across the entire window, optimizing glare protection while maintaining visibility in non-glare areas.
2Ease of operation
If manual correction operating element is added to allow user adjustment of darkening position, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates manual correction operating elements that provide feedback control. When the automatic sun visor positioning does not fully satisfy the occupant's needs, they can manually adjust the darkening position, and the system responds by repositioning the darkened segment accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element serves multiple functions: it can detect manual adjustment inputs from the user, transmit correction signals to the controller, and potentially adjust multiple parameters of the sun visor system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light-sensitive elements are used to determine sun position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-sensitive detection system is divided into multiple independently arranged light-sensitive elements or sensor arrays. Each element detects light intensity from specific directions, and by comparing the outputs of multiple elements, the system precisely determines the sun's position in the sky.
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
Provides adaptive and customizable sun visor functionality, effectively reducing glare by automatically adjusting the darkening area based on sun position and occupant eye position, with manual override options for enhanced user control.
Implementation Method 1
multiple light-sensitive elements and an adjustable glare limit value
Implementation Method 2
selectively darkening of the windshield or side window based on sun position and occupant eye position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The motor vehicle (1) has a partial or segmental darkened windshield (2) or side window. The motor vehicle has a controller for automatic selection of the position of a partial or segmental darkened windshield or side window in dependence of a value for the condition of sun and a value for the eye position of the passengers of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a control element for manual correction of the position of partial or segmental darkening of the windshield or side window. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a motor vehicle.