Vehicle Window Assembly with Embedded Light-Producing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle lighting systems for map and dome lights occupy space and result in a cluttered appearance, necessitating a solution that integrates lighting functionality into vehicle windows while maintaining aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle window assembly with an inner and outer layer and an interlayer containing a light-producing assembly, optical film, and variable-transparency switchable glazing, allowing for user-controlled illumination modes by varying light transmittance through touch inputs, enabling the window to function as both a map light and a dome light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If map and dome lights are provided in overhead consoles, then lighting functionality is achieved, but space is consumed and appearance becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting assembly with the vehicle window assembly, integrating map and dome light functions directly into the window structure. The light-producing assembly is embedded within the window's interlayer, eliminating the need for separate overhead console lighting components and reducing overall space occupation while maintaining full lighting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a structural window component and an integrated lighting system. By incorporating light-producing assemblies, optical films, and variable-transparency glazing into the window, the same component provides both visual access and illumination functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated lighting spaces.
2Area of stationary object
If lighting assembly is integrated into vehicle window, then space is saved and appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting assembly is segmented into distinct functional layers within the window interlayer: light sources (LEDs), optical films for light distribution, and variable-transparency switchable glazing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while being integrated into a unified window structure, managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly uses composite construction with multiple layers including glass or plastic layers, interlayer material, embedded light-producing components, optical films, and switchable glazing. This composite structure integrates diverse materials and functions into a single unified assembly, achieving space efficiency while distributing complexity across different material layers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable-transparency switchable glazing is used, then user-controlled lighting modes are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window incorporates variable-transparency switchable glazing that can dynamically change its optical properties from transparent to opaque states. This dynamic capability allows the window to provide different lighting modes (map light, dome light, privacy mode) on demand, enhancing adaptability while the switching mechanism is integrated into the existing window manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable glazing changes its transparency parameter in response to user input or sensor detection, allowing the same physical component to provide different lighting functions. This parameter change capability enables versatile lighting modes without requiring multiple separate physical assemblies, managing manufacturing complexity through single-component multi-state operation.
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
This solution provides a space-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and user-controllable lighting system that integrates map and dome light functions into vehicle windows, enhancing the lighting experience and reducing clutter.
Implementation Method 1
an optical film configured to collimate light emitted by the light sources
Implementation Method 2
a variable-transparency switchable glazing configured to vary the transmittance of the light emitted from the light sources based on user-supplied input
Implementation Method 3
a polymer dispersed liquid crystal device coupled to the optical film and including a number of liquid crystal droplets within a film disposed between two layers of a transparent and conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle window assembly is provided herein and includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and an interlayer therebetween. A light-producing assembly is disposed in the interlayer and includes light sources disposed to emit light toward the inner layer, an optical film configured to collimate light emitted by the light sources, and a variable-transparency switchable glazing configured to vary the transmittance of the light emitted from the light sources based on user-supplied input.