Vehicle Electrochromic Window Tinting Control via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated window tinting systems in autonomous vehicles lack efficient control mechanisms that can dynamically adjust based on various factors such as temperature, occupancy, collision events, and remote requests, leading to suboptimal passenger comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a controller, memory, and sensors that analyze dimming information from various sources (temperature, occupancy, collision sensors, and remote requests) to autonomously activate or deactivate electrochromic windows, utilizing a body control module to transmit commands for optimal tinting states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automated window tinting systems are implemented without dynamic control mechanisms, then the system structure is simplified, but passenger comfort and safety are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to process multiple types of dimming information from different sources (temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, collision sensors, remote devices) and generate unified activation/deactivation commands for the electrochromic windows, making a single component perform multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives dimming information from various sensors and remote devices, processes this information according to predetermined criteria, and transmits commands to the electrochromic windows, mediating between diverse input sources and the window actuators
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and control mechanisms are added to dynamically adjust tint levels, then passenger comfort and safety are enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: temperature sensors for thermal monitoring, occupancy sensors for passenger detection, collision sensors for safety events, remote devices for user control, and a controller that processes information from each segment independently before generating unified window control commands
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is configured with predetermined criteria for analyzing dimming information and determining when to activate or deactivate windows, establishing control logic in advance so that when collision or occupancy events occur, the system can respond immediately without requiring complex real-time decision algorithms
3Ease of operation
If window tinting is activated based on temperature and occupancy, then passenger comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives temperature information and occupancy information at predetermined time intervals, analyzing this periodic data to determine whether window activation is necessary, rather than continuously monitoring and adjusting, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining passenger comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and occupancy sensors to automatically activate or deactivate window tinting, creating a closed-loop control system that adjusts tint levels based on actual environmental conditions and passenger presence, optimizing comfort while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption
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
Enhances passenger comfort by dynamically adjusting tint levels based on environmental conditions and occupancy, ensures safety by responding to collision events, and complies with location-specific tint restrictions, thereby improving the overall vehicle experience.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle may include one or more generally known electrochromic 'smart' windows whose light transmission properties are altered when voltage, light, or heat is applied by one or more vehicle systems
Data Source
AI summary
One general aspect includes a system for an activation or deactivation of one or more electrochromic windows of a vehicle, the system including: a memory configured to include one or more executable instructions; a controller configured to execute the executable instructions; a vehicle including one or more electrochromic windows, where upon receiving an activation the one or more electrochromic windows will be in a dimmed state and upon receiving a deactivation the one or more electrochromic windows will be in a transparent state; and where the executable instructions enable the controller to: receive dimming information; analyze the dimming information; based on the dimming information analysis, generate the activation or deactivation for at least one of the one or more electrochromic windows; transmit the activation or deactivation to at least one of the one or more electrochromic windows.