Transparent Visor with UV Blocking and Adjustable Tint

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headwear visors are opaque, obstructing the wearer's view while attempting to block sunlight and UV rays, posing a risk of injury from unseen objects like airborne baseballs.

Innovation Solution

A transparent visor made of optical-grade polycarbonate, incorporating tinting materials that adjust tint intensity and color based on light conditions, with optional graphics and a mirrored finish, securely affixed or removably attached to a cap using various fastening systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an opaque visor is used to block sunlight and UV rays, then UV protection is improved, but visibility is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV ray blockingVSAvoidvisibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies photochromic or electrochromic materials that change their optical properties (transparency/opacity) in response to light conditions or user control, allowing the visor to block UV rays while maintaining visibility when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials that combine UV-blocking properties with transparent characteristics, such as transparent UV-coated plastics or layered structures that selectively filter UV radiation while allowing visible light transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of information

If a transparent visor is used to maintain visibility, then visibility is improved, but UV protection is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidUV ray blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the optical parameters of the visor material by applying UV-blocking coatings or incorporating UV-absorbing additives that selectively block UV wavelengths while maintaining transparency in the visible spectrum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials with specific molecular structures that provide selective wavelength filtration, allowing visible light transmission for visibility while absorbing or reflecting UV radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If tinting materials are added to adjust tint intensity, then glare blocking is improved, but transparency is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglare blockingVSAvoidfield of view

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamically adjustable tinting systems where the tint intensity can be changed based on environmental conditions or user preference, allowing optimal balance between glare blocking and field of view

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses photochromic or electrochromic tinting materials that automatically or manually adjust their tint intensity in response to light conditions, providing adaptive glare protection while maintaining visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS10993495B2Headwear with transparent visor providing ultraviolet ray protection

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 PANORAMA SYST LLC

AI summary

A headwear apparatus is provided. The headwear apparatus including a cap configured to be worn on a head of a user, and a visor coupled to the cap, wherein at least a portion of the visor is transparent in at least one direction, and wherein the visor is configured to block a portion of ultraviolet (UV) rays from passing through the visor. The visor may be permanently affixed to the cap or may be removably coupled to the cap.