Vehicle Power Shade Control for Privacy and Low-Light Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Full-time tinted windows in vehicles reduce visibility in low light conditions, posing challenges for drivers, especially in terms of visibility and comfort due to reduced light entry and increased solar radiation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular power shade control system that includes a power shade operable to deploy and retract in relation to vehicle windows, a sensor providing data on window and ambient conditions, and a computerized controller that monitors and compares data to generate commands for the power shade based on thresholds, such as light levels, window status, and vehicle operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If full-time tinted windows are used, then privacy and solar radiation reduction are improved, but driver visibility in low light conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic solution by making the window tinting adjustable rather than fixed. The system uses electronically controlled tinting layers (such as electrochromic or PDLC film) that can change their optical properties on demand. When the vehicle is in motion during daytime, the windows maintain a tinted state for privacy and solar radiation reduction. When the vehicle stops or during low light conditions, the tinting automatically clears to maximize driver visibility. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between privacy/protection and visibility requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If power shades are deployed to block sunlight, then solar radiation reduction and privacy are improved, but driver visibility and ambient light entry deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control through sensors that continuously monitor ambient light levels, sun position, and vehicle operational state. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the power shade deployment. For example, when the vehicle is moving and ambient light levels are sufficient, the system deploys power shades to block solar radiation. When the vehicle stops or ambient light drops below a threshold, the shades automatically retract to maintain adequate cabin illumination and driver visibility. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction between solar protection and light transmission.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If power shades are used to enhance privacy, then privacy protection is improved, but driver visibility and operational awareness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or conditional deployment of power shades based on vehicle operational state rather than continuous deployment. The controller monitors vehicle motion status, gear position, and ambient conditions, deploying shades only during appropriate periods (e.g., when the vehicle is moving in daytime). When the vehicle stops or during conditions requiring maximum visibility, the shades are retracted. This periodic action ensures privacy protection during suitable conditions while maintaining visibility information access when needed for safe operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for vehicular power shade control is provided. The system includes a power shade operable to selectively deploy and retract in relation to a corresponding window of a vehicle, a sensor providing data related to the vehicle, and a computerized power shade controller. The computerized power shade controller operates programming to monitor the data from the sensor, compare the data to a threshold value, and generate a command to the power shade based upon the comparing.