Vehicle Window Liquid Crystal Sunshade Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle sun visors provide insufficient shade during periods when direct sunlight shines through the windshield, potentially causing eye damage and hazardous driving conditions, especially in locations like the western United States during dawn and dusk.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a vehicle window with an array of liquid crystals that can switch between transparent and shaded states, controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) using sensors to detect the driver's eye position and the sun's location, ensuring the appropriate area of the window is shaded to reduce sunlight exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sun visors are used to block sunlight, then some shade is provided, but insufficient shade is achieved when direct sunlight shines through the windshield below the reach of the visors
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is divided into multiple independently controllable liquid crystal segments or zones. Each segment can be individually switched between transparent and shaded states, allowing precise control of shading areas to block direct sunlight while maintaining visibility in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the transparency of liquid crystal segments in real-time based on detected sun position and driver eye location. The shading configuration changes continuously to track moving sunlight and maintain effective blockage throughout the day.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid crystals are used to provide dynamic shading control, then effective shade can be provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical shading systems (such as movable visors or blinds) with electronically controlled liquid crystal elements. This substitution uses electrical control signals to change material properties, eliminating mechanical moving parts while achieving dynamic shading adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the liquid crystal material through electrical control. By applying voltage, the liquid crystals transition between transparent and shaded states, providing dynamic control of sunlight transmission without mechanical movement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire window is shaded to block all sunlight, then complete protection is achieved, but visibility for driving is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the windshield have different transparency properties. Liquid crystal segments are selectively activated to create localized shaded zones precisely where direct sunlight reaches the driver's eyes, while other regions remain transparent to maintain overall visibility and driving safety.
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 automatically provides effective shade without driver intervention, enhancing comfort and safety by preventing direct sunlight from entering the driver's eyes, thus improving visibility and reducing the risk of eye damage.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle owner may then select an area of the windshield to shade using liquid crystals of the windshield
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reducing sunlight shining into a vehicle includes a window having an array of liquid crystals switchable between a transparent state and a shaded state. The system also includes an eye position sensor for detecting a location of eyes of a driver and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for detecting a current heading of the vehicle. The system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that may determine a current location of the sun relative to the vehicle based on the current heading of the vehicle and a current time of day. The ECU may also select an area of the window to be shaded in order to reduce an amount of sunlight reaching the eyes of the driver and control liquid crystals within the selected area of the window to switch from the transparent state to the shaded state.