Variable Transmission Moon Roof Module with Sealed Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moon roof modules face issues with dust, dirt, moisture intrusion, fogging, and scratching, which obstruct clarity and are not easily switchable between transparent and opaque states, especially under adverse environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable transmission moon roof module with a displaceable transparent panel in an environmentally sealed compartment, utilizing an actuator to switch between transparent and opaque states, and polarized films to control light passage, along with a guide track and seals to prevent contamination and ensure long-term clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional moon roof module is used without environmental sealing, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but dust, dirt and moisture intrude causing obstruction of clarity of view
Solution Approach 1:
The moon roof module is divided into multiple sealed compartments, each housing specific transparent panels. The environmentally sealed compartment isolates the third transparent panel from external contaminants, while other compartments house different functional elements. This segmentation allows targeted protection of clarity-critical components without unnecessarily complicating the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An environmentally sealed compartment acts as an intermediary barrier between the third transparent panel and the external environment. The sealant material serves as a mediator that prevents dust, dirt, and moisture from reaching the panel, thereby maintaining clarity of view without requiring direct exposure protection mechanisms on the panel itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the moon roof module is made switchable between transparent and opaque states, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The third transparent panel incorporates a polarized film that can change its optical properties from transparent to opaque. This color/optical state change capability allows the moon roof module to switch between transparent and opaque states without requiring mechanical moving parts or additional complex components, thereby achieving versatility while minimizing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If polarized films are used to enable switching between transparent and opaque states, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polarized film is nested within or integrated with the third transparent panel structure. This nesting approach allows the film to be protected and pre-positioned within the sealed compartment, reducing the need for high-precision field application during final assembly. The film can be applied in a controlled manufacturing environment and then integrated into the panel assembly, lowering overall manufacturing precision requirements.
4Reliability
If the third transparent panel is exposed to the environment, then device complexity is reduced, but fogging and scratching occur reducing long term clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The environmentally sealed compartment provides preliminary protection to the third transparent panel before it is exposed to adverse environmental conditions. By pre-establishing the sealed barrier during assembly, the panel is protected from dust, dirt, and moisture that would cause scratching and fogging, thereby ensuring long-term clarity without requiring complex protective coatings or treatments on the panel surface itself.
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 provides a clean, unobstructed view by preventing dust, dirt, and moisture intrusion, and maintaining clarity even in adverse conditions, allowing seamless switching between transparent and opaque states.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarized film on the second transparent panel and a second polarized film on the third transparent panel. The polarized films are of a type that switches between a transparent state and an opaque state with linear translation.
Implementation Method 2
The actuator includes a first ferromagnetic element, a second ferromagnetic element, a first electromagnet, a second electromagnet and a controller. The controller allows one to selectively energize the first electromagnet and/or the second electromagnet and displace the third transparent panel
Data Source
AI summary
A moon roof module includes a first transparent panel, a second transparent panel and a third transparent panel packaged in a compartment between the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel. The moon roof module also includes an actuator configured to displace the third transparent panel between a first position and a second position. A related method of switching a moon roof module between a transparent state and an opaque state is also disclosed.