Switchable Sun Visor Optics for Light Shielding and Clear View

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sun visors in vehicles lack the ability to switch between light shielding and light transmitting modes, requiring manual adjustment and potentially obstructing the driver's line of sight.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with switchable modes, comprising a light scattering switching element, a light absorbing switching element, and an image generating element, which allows the device to be switched between light shielding, light transmitting, and projection modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a foldable sun visor is used, then light shielding function is provided, but manual adjustment is required and driver's line of sight is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight shielding functionVSAvoidmanual adjustment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sun visor's optical properties changeable rather than static. The light scattering switching element and light absorbing switching element can dynamically adjust their states based on control signals, allowing the visor to automatically transition between light scattering mode, light absorbing mode, and light transmitting mode without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the visor materials. By controlling the light scattering switching element and light absorbing switching element, the visor can alter its light scattering and light absorbing properties on demand, enabling automatic adaptation to different lighting conditions and eliminating the need for manual folding and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a foldable sun visor is used, then light shielding function is provided, but driver's line of sight is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight shielding functionVSAvoiddriver's line of sight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sun visor's optical properties changeable rather than static. The light scattering switching element and light absorbing switching element can dynamically adjust their states based on control signals, allowing the visor to automatically transition between light scattering mode, light absorbing mode, and light transmitting mode without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the visor materials. By controlling the light scattering switching element and light absorbing switching element, the visor can alter its light scattering and light absorbing properties on demand, enabling automatic adaptation to different lighting conditions and eliminating the need for manual folding and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If light scattering switching element and light absorbing switching element are added, then automatic adjustment between light shielding and light transmitting modes is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of switching elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a control system that can manage multiple switching elements through a unified control interface. The controller receives input signals and coordinates the operation of both the light scattering switching element and light absorbing switching element, allowing complex functionality to be achieved through integrated control rather than separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the light scattering switching element and light absorbing switching element into a single integrated structure. Both switching elements are disposed adjacent to each other and can be controlled simultaneously, merging their functions into a cohesive system that achieves automatic light adjustment without requiring separate independent mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device provides automatic adjustment between light shielding and light transmitting modes, reducing the risk of obstructing the driver's view and enhancing safety by eliminating the need for manual folding and storage.

Implementation Method 1

a light scattering switching element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a light absorbing switching element disposed adjacent to the light scattering switching element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12345986B2Electronic device with switchable modes

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 INNOLUX CORP

AI summary

An electronic device with switchable modes includes a light scattering switching element, a light absorbing switching and an image generating element. The light absorbing switching element is disposed adjacent to the light scattering switching element. The image generating element is provided for generating an image. In a projection mode, the image generated by the image generating element sequentially passes through the light scattering switching element and the light absorbing switching element to be displayed.