Vehicle Window Tinting for Occupant-Aware Sunlight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in providing occupant comfort by effectively managing sunlight glare and thermal loading, as existing solutions are limited in their ability to dynamically adjust window tint based on occupant type, location, and sunlight intensity and direction, especially when multiple occupants have different preferences.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses computing devices and sensors to determine occupant type, location, and orientation, along with sunlight intensity and direction, to dynamically adjust the tint of vehicle windows using active glazing technologies such as photoelectric films or mechanical shades, allowing for real-time adjustments to reduce glare and thermal loading while maintaining occupant comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If window tint is manually adjusted, then occupant comfort can be improved, but the system cannot dynamically adapt to changing sunlight conditions and multiple occupant preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic window tint adjustment by transitioning from static manual controls to an automated system that continuously monitors sunlight conditions (intensity, direction, temperature) and occupant preferences, then automatically adjusts tint levels in real-time to adapt to changing environmental and occupancy conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect sunlight parameters and occupant preferences, processes this information through computing devices, and uses the feedback to automatically adjust window tint levels. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions without manual intervention
Solution Approach 3:
The automated tint adjustment system performs the window tinting function autonomously by detecting environmental conditions and occupant needs, then self-adjusting the tint levels without requiring manual operation. The system serves itself by integrating sensing, processing, and actuation into a single autonomous control loop
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed window tint is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the system cannot reduce glare and thermal loading under varying sunlight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed window tint with dynamically adjustable active glazing that can change its optical properties in real-time. The system monitors sunlight intensity, direction, and temperature, then automatically adjusts tint levels to optimize glare and thermal loading reduction under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the window tint by using active glazing materials that can alter their light transmission properties. By adjusting the tint level parameter in response to detected sunlight conditions, the system effectively reduces harmful glare and thermal loading without requiring physical replacement of the window material
3Ease of operation
If autonomous mode allows free seating reconfiguration, then occupant comfort and socialization are improved, but thermal management becomes more complex with multiple occupants having different preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the window system into independently controllable segments or zones, each associated with specific seating positions. The computing device can detect which seats are occupied and adjust the tint of adjacent window portions individually, allowing each occupant to have customized thermal and glare protection regardless of seating configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different tint levels to different portions of the window based on local conditions - detecting which seats are occupied, the direction of sunlight relative to each seat, and individual occupant preferences. This enables localized thermal management where each occupied seating position receives customized tint adjustment rather than uniform control across all windows
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 provides enhanced occupant comfort by dynamically adjusting window tint to match occupant preferences, reducing glare and thermal discomfort, and optimizing temperature control, even in autonomous mode where occupants can reconfigure their seating positions.
Implementation Method 1
active glazing technologies such as photoelectric films
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device in a vehicle can determine an occupant type, location and orientation and determine intensity and direction of sunlight. The computing device can tint one or more portions of vehicle windows based on the occupant type, location and orientation and the strength and direction of sunlight.