Vehicle Window Sun-Shading Control for Driver Eye Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sun visor systems in vehicles are inadequate in blocking sun rays at certain angles, causing discomfort and safety hazards due to limited coverage and positioning, particularly during dawn and sunset, and can be a distraction for drivers.

Innovation Solution

A system with a control unit and sensor elements to dynamically adjust a protective area on vehicle windows using a selectively obscurable layer, such as electrochromic glass or electronic ink, to block sun rays based on eye and sun positions, ensuring continuous protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional sun visors are used, then some sun ray blocking is achieved, but coverage is limited and discomfort persists at certain sun positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesun ray blocking effectivenessVSAvoidvisor surface area and coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the windscreen into multiple segments (first region and second region) that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be selectively obscured based on sun position and driver eye position, allowing targeted protection without blocking the entire view. This segmentation enables comprehensive coverage of harmful sun rays while maintaining visibility in unaffected areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from the traditional two-dimensional visor surface to a multi-dimensional solution by controlling different regions of the windscreen itself. The electrochromic glass technology enables independent control of transparency in various zones of the windscreen, effectively adding a spatial dimension to sun protection that extends beyond the limited visor area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional sun visors are positioned to block sun rays, then some protection is provided, but they cannot reach windows and cause driver distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeye protection from sun raysVSAvoiddriver operation and distraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect sun position and driver eye position, enabling the windscreen regions to self-adjust their transparency without driver intervention. This automated response eliminates the need for manual visor adjustment and removes driver distraction, as the system reacts autonomously to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor sun position and driver eye position, and this information is used to dynamically control the obscuring of windscreen regions. The system adjusts in real-time based on feedback from the environment and driver position, ensuring optimal protection without requiring driver attention or manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional visors are used to block sun rays, then localized protection is achieved, but comprehensive protection across multiple windows is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesun ray blocking in protected areaVSAvoidprotection coverage across different windows and positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electrochromic glass technology to multiple windows including the windscreen and side windows, creating a universal sun protection system. The same control mechanism and obscuring technology are used across different window types, allowing coordinated protection throughout the vehicle cabin regardless of sun position or driver orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Provides comprehensive sun ray protection across multiple windows, adapting to occupant movements and sun positions, reducing discomfort and safety risks without instability, and eliminating the need for traditional visors.

Implementation Method 1

electrochromic glass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

selectively obscurable layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotochromism: Photochromism

Data Source

PatentUS20260027877A1Method of eye protection from the sun's rays in a road vehicle and related road vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 FERRARI SPA

AI summary

Road vehicle comprising: four wheels, of which at least one pair is driven; a passenger compartment configured to accommodate a driver and preferably at least one passenger; a plurality of windows delimiting at least partially the passenger compartment; a protection device for protecting the eyes of the driver and/or the passenger from the sun rays, arranged at at least one of the plurality of windows of the road vehicle; a control unit configured to control the protection device to obscure/opacify selectively and at least partially a protective area of the at least one of the plurality of windows; wherein the protective area is interposed between the sun and the eyes of the driver and/or the at least one passenger.