Switchable Electro-Optic Element for Camera Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to hide camera and sensor systems in vehicles while maintaining their functionality and aesthetics, as low transmittance covers that conceal these devices can inhibit their performance.
Innovation Solution
A switchable electro-optic device with a transflective coating and black conductive coating is used, which is switchable between a darkened and transmissive state, allowing the camera to be concealed while maintaining optimal functionality and aesthetics by matching the color and reflectance of the surrounding area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a low transmittance cover is used to hide the camera, then the camera is concealed from view, but the camera function is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a switchable electro-optic element that can dynamically change its optical properties between a first state (high transmittance, allowing camera function) and a second state (low transmittance, concealing the camera). This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt between visibility and functionality as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optic element changes its transmittance parameter between two states: a first state with high transmittance (70-90%) that allows optimal camera function, and a second state with low transmittance (5-20%) that conceals the camera. This parameter change enables the system to resolve the contradiction between visibility and functionality.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a darkened state is used to mask the sensor, then the sensor is hidden, but the aesthetic matching with perimeter portion is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color suppressed transparent conducting oxide layers and transflective coatings that can change their optical appearance between states. In the darkened state, the electro-optic element matches the color and reflectance characteristics of the perimeter portion, providing aesthetic integration while masking the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures including electro-optic materials, transparent conducting oxides, absorbing metals, and transflective coatings working together to achieve both sensor masking and aesthetic matching with the perimeter portion in the darkened state.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a transflective coating is applied to reduce reflectance, then the camera appearance is improved, but the coating complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transflective coating comprising multiple layers including transparent conducting oxide layers, absorbing metal layers, and low absorbing metal layers. This composite coating structure achieves low reflectance (less than 15% in visible wavelength band) to improve camera appearance by reducing glare and reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The transflective coating is applied specifically to the electro-optic element surface where it is needed to reduce reflectance and improve appearance, while other portions of the device maintain their original properties. This localized application optimizes the appearance-critical areas without unnecessarily complicating the entire device.
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 solution effectively conceals the camera and sensor systems while ensuring they remain functional and aesthetically integrated with the vehicle, achieving low reflectance and high transmittance levels to maintain visibility and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic material positioned within the cavity... switchable between a darkened state and a transmissive state
Implementation Method 2
a transflective coating having a reflectance less than about 15% in a visible wavelength band... including a first layer comprising a transparent conductive oxide, a second layer comprising a first absorbing metal, a third layer comprising a transparent conductive oxide, and a fourth layer comprising a low absorbing metal
Implementation Method 3
a color suppressed transparent conducting oxide layer positioned on the second surface... a first layer comprising a transparent conductive oxide
Implementation Method 4
a second layer comprising a first absorbing metal... a fourth layer comprising a low absorbing metal
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable device is provided. The switchable device includes an electro-optic element switchable between a darkened state and a transmissive state in addition to a sensor having a field of view at least partially defined by a perimeter portion of the electro-optic element. The darkened state is configured to mask the sensor and visibly match the perimeter portion.