Smart Glass Vehicle Compartment for Automatic Sun Glare Mitigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle compartment systems for mitigating sun blinding are complex and inefficient, often requiring manual operation or failing to timely adjust to changing light conditions, thereby distracting occupants and reducing their field of view.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle compartment system with a light sensor positioned below the expected eye level of the occupant, coupled with a panel assembly that adjusts light intensity through electrically controllable smart glass panels, automatically responding to changing light conditions to prevent sun blinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually operated sun visor is provided, then the occupant can control light blocking, but it requires manual effort and distraction from the occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a light sensor to automatically detect glare conditions and triggers the smart glass panel to adjust its light transmission properties without requiring manual intervention from the occupant. The control unit processes sensor data and autonomously activates the smart glass when glare is detected, making the system self-regulating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual sun visor system with an automated optical-electrical system. Instead of mechanical folding visors, the invention uses electrically controllable smart glass panels that change their light transmission properties in response to electrical signals triggered by light sensor detection, eliminating the need for mechanical operation.
2Extent of automation
If an automated system with multiple sensors and smart panels is implemented, then light blocking is automatic, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the occupant's head position as a simple geometric reference point to determine eye location. Instead of using complex eye-tracking sensors, the system calculates eye position based on the known headrest geometry and detected head position, significantly simplifying the sensing requirements while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart glass panel serves multiple functions: it acts as a window for viewing the environment, provides automated glare mitigation when needed, and can be controlled based on simple geometric calculations from head position data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
3Measurement precision
If the light sensor is positioned at eye level, then it directly detects light affecting the occupant, but it may be obscured by the occupant's head or arms
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor is positioned above the occupant's eye level to detect glare conditions before the light reaches the eyes. By detecting the glare source in advance and triggering the smart glass panel proactively, the system prevents blinding before it occurs, rather than reacting after the occupant is already affected.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the sensor horizontally at eye level where it would be blocked by the head, the patent positions it vertically above the eye level. This dimensional change in sensor placement allows unobstructed detection of glare sources while maintaining the ability to accurately assess light conditions affecting the occupant.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the smart glass panel adjusts light transmission, then glare is reduced, but the field of view and visibility may be reduced when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The smart glass panel's light transmission properties are dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit can modulate the panel's transparency to different degrees based on the severity of detected glare conditions, allowing the system to optimize the balance between glare mitigation and maintaining adequate visibility and field of view.
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 a simple and efficient automated solution that anticipates and mitigates sun blinding by adjusting light intensity before it becomes problematic, ensuring consistent and reliable protection without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The proposed solution is based on use of screens with electrically controllable light transmission properties, such as a screen or layer of electrochromic glass
Implementation Method 2
a light sensor adapted to determine an intensity of light falling onto said light sensor via said screen
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle compartment for a vehicle includes a screen through which an occupant can view portions of the environment ambient of said vehicle compartment, at least one panel, adapted to adjust the light intensity of light falling into said vehicle compartment via at least a portion of said screen, a light sensor and a control unit adapted to adjust the panel to thereby adjust the light intensity of light falling into said vehicle compartment in response to a signal issued from the light sensor.