Vehicle Sun Shade Controller for Photoactive Surface Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-cleaning systems for motor vehicle interiors do not effectively utilize sunlight to activate photoactive agents like titanium dioxide for sanitizing surfaces, particularly in autonomous shared vehicles where increased sanitation is crucial to reduce the transmission of sickness and infection.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning system for motor vehicle interiors that includes a photoactive surface coated with titanium dioxide, a sun shade actuator, and a controller that responds to sunlight, geolocation, occupancy, and environmental data to optimize the exposure of these surfaces to UV light for cleaning, while also controlling the moon roof for temperature regulation and precipitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sun shade is kept closed to protect passengers from sunlight and heat, then passenger comfort is improved, but the photoactive self-cleaning surfaces cannot be activated by sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The controller opens the sun shade in advance during periods when the vehicle is unoccupied and sunlight conditions are favorable, allowing the photoactive surfaces to be activated before passengers arrive or before the vehicle is next used. This preliminary cleaning action ensures sanitization effectiveness without compromising passenger comfort during occupied periods.
2Reliability
If the sun shade is opened to allow sunlight activation of photoactive agents, then surface sanitization is improved, but the interior temperature increases due to solar heating
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic cleaning cycles by opening the sun shade only during specific time windows when sunlight intensity is optimal for photoactivation, then closing it to prevent excessive heat buildup. The system monitors environmental conditions and activates the cleaning function intermittently rather than continuously, balancing sanitization effectiveness with temperature control.
3Device complexity
If the vehicle is designed with fixed sun shade position, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot optimize between sunlight exposure for cleaning and temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The sun shade is transformed from a fixed position component to a dynamically controllable element. The controller adjusts the sun shade position based on real-time conditions including vehicle occupancy status, sunlight intensity, temperature readings, and scheduled cleaning windows, enabling the system to optimize between sanitization effectiveness and passenger comfort without requiring complex manual intervention.
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 system ensures effective activation of photoactive agents for sanitizing surfaces by optimizing sunlight exposure and temperature control, enhancing sanitation and reducing the risk of infection in motor vehicle interiors, particularly in autonomous shared vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the self-cleaning effect of photoactive cleaning agents such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) are known and well documented. Significantly, the desired cleaning effect may be activated with light barely in the UVA range. When UV shines on a photoactive self-cleaning surface incorporating titanium dioxide, electrons are released at the surface. These electrons interact with water molecules in the air separating them into hydroxyl radicals which are highly reactive, short-lived, uncharged forms of hydroxide ions. These hydroxyl radicals then attack organic (carbon-based) pollutant molecules, such as oils and other contaminants, breaking apart their chemical bonds and turning them into harmless substances such as carbon dioxide and water.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-cleaning system is provided for the interior of a motor vehicle. That self-cleaning system includes a photoactive self-cleaning surface, a sun shade, an actuator displacing the sun shade between an opened position and a closed position and a controller. A related method of self-cleaning a surface in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.