Vehicle Switchable Glass With Capacitive Touch Privacy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle glass panel structures lack adaptive features to enhance interior and exterior lighting effects and improve driver and passenger comfort, particularly in terms of controlling transparency and privacy.
Innovation Solution
A switchable glass structure comprising a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) with an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) layer, integrated markings, and a control system that acts as a capacitive sensor, allowing the glass to change between opaque and clear modes based on user input and environmental conditions, while providing automatic privacy settings and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If switchable glass structure is made opaque to provide privacy, then privacy is improved, but lighting effects and interior illumination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The glass structure dynamically changes its optical properties between clear and opaque states based on user input detected by capacitive sensors. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different privacy and lighting requirements, resolving the contradiction by providing both states as needed rather than being fixed in one state.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass structure changes its optical parameters (transparency, light transmission) in response to detected user input. By modifying the electrical or optical parameters of the glass material, the system transitions between clear and opaque states, allowing simultaneous achievement of privacy and lighting effects at different times.
2Ease of operation
If markings are added to identify user input areas, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The markings are integrated into the ITO layer during the existing manufacturing process rather than being added as a separate post-processing step. This merging of the marking function with the existing conductive layer reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The markings are formed within the ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) layer, creating a composite structure that combines the conductive properties of ITO with the visual identification function of the markings. This integration allows the markings to be part of the functional layer rather than an additional component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If glass structure acts as capacitive sensor for user input, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glass structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides privacy control, lighting control, and acts as a capacitive sensor for user input detection. By making the glass itself multi-functional rather than adding separate components for each function, the system achieves high adaptability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass structure itself performs the sensing function through its capacitive properties, eliminating the need for separate sensor components. The glass layer with ITO markings detects user input directly, allowing the structure to serve itself as both the control interface and the functional element.
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 offers instant transparency or privacy, improved noise reduction, low power consumption, and selective control based on various inputs, enhancing occupant comfort and lighting effects.
Implementation Method 1
The switchable glass structure comprises a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) that includes at least one Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) layer
Implementation Method 2
A control system includes a circuit configured cooperate with the power source to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input areas can be sensed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a switchable glass structure supported within a vehicle and comprised of a plurality of layers. A power source is selectively applied to the switchable glass structure to change the switchable glass structure from opaque to clear. Markings are formed within at least one of the plurality of layers to identify user input areas. A control system includes a circuit configured cooperate with the power source to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input areas can be sensed to change the switchable glass structure between opaque and clear modes.