Vehicle Shutter With Controllable Transmission Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trim assemblies with retractable shutters for storage compartments are not practical as the camera's field of view can be obstructed by objects, making it difficult to access and inspect the contents efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A shutter with a controllable transmission zone that switches between a viewing configuration allowing visible light to pass through and a concealing configuration blocking visibility, featuring an electroluminescent screen, adjustable optical transmittance, and a touch-sensitive interface, controlled by a device to manage the light transmission and display information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera is used to film the inside of a storage compartment, then information about contents can be obtained, but the field of view can be obstructed by objects present in the compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to create visual copies (images) of the storage compartment contents and displays them on a screen. This allows users to obtain information about contents without directly viewing the compartment, eliminating field of view obstruction issues while maintaining full visibility of all items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera and display screen between the user and the storage compartment contents. Instead of direct visual access that can be obstructed, the camera captures images and transmits them to the screen, serving as an intermediary that provides unobstructed viewing of all contents.
2Reliability
If a shutter is made opaque to conceal contents, then privacy and security are improved, but visibility for inspection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic approach by making the shutter's optical properties changeable. The shutter can switch between opaque and transparent states based on user needs, allowing it to provide concealment when required and visibility when inspection is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between security and inspectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (transparency/opacity) of the shutter to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting this parameter between two states (opaque for security, transparent for inspection), the system can adapt to different functional requirements without compromising either concealment or visibility.
3Reliability
If the shutter remains closed to maintain compartment security, then access control is improved, but the ability to inspect contents without opening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies of the compartment contents through the camera and display system. Users can inspect all contents by viewing the displayed images without physically opening the compartment, thus maintaining security while providing complete inspection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of opening the compartment (mechanical system) with an optical/electronic system consisting of a camera and display. This substitution allows content inspection to occur without mechanical opening, maintaining the closed state and security while enabling easy inspection through the display interface.
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
Enables efficient access to the storage compartment contents without opening it, providing clear visibility and information through the shutter while maintaining the compartment's closed state, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
the shutter comprises an electroluminescent screen extending in the transmission zone, the screen being at least partially transparent or translucent when it is not generating light
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle trim assembly (2), comprising: a storage compartment (6) defining a storage space (8) emerging through an opening (26); and a shutter (10) moving relative to the storage compartment between a closing position, in which it closes off the opening, and an open position, in which it is freed from the opening. The shutter (10) comprises at least one transmission zone (50) able to be steered between a viewing configuration, in which the transmission zone allows the visible light to pass through the shutter and makes it possible to distinguish the contents of the storage space through the shutter, and a concealing position, in which the transmission zone does not make it possible to distinguish the contents of the storage space through the shutter.