Vehicular Overhead Console With Dimmable Light Transmitting Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular overhead consoles lack a mechanism to dynamically adjust the visibility of their lighting features based on ambient light conditions, leading to inefficient use of light sources and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular overhead console with a frame-mounted, electrically dimmable light transmitting panel using liquid crystal or electrochromic shutter film that can switch between high and low visible light transmission states, allowing the concealment of light sources when not in use and maximizing visibility when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent cover is used to provide clear view of lighting features, then visibility of lighting features is improved, but power consumption increases because light sources remain visible and active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic light transmitting panel that can change its light transmission properties between transparent and opaque states. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize visibility when needed while reducing power consumption when lighting features are not in use, resolving the contradiction between maintaining visibility and reducing energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmitting panel changes its optical parameters (light transmission coefficient) based on operational requirements. By adjusting the panel's transparency parameter, the system can switch between high visibility mode (transparent) and energy-saving mode (opaque), effectively managing the trade-off between illumination visibility and power consumption.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are kept visible for aesthetic purposes, then appearance is improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when lights are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the visibility of light sources through the controllable light transmitting panel. When aesthetic visibility is desired, the panel transitions to transparent state; when energy conservation is prioritized, the panel becomes opaque, eliminating unnecessary power consumption while maintaining the capability for aesthetic display when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmitting panel operates in periodic cycles, switching between transparent and opaque states based on operational requirements. This periodic adjustment allows the system to balance aesthetic visibility requirements with energy conservation, activating visibility only when lighting features are actively in use.
3Loss of energy
If a solid opaque overhead console is used, then power consumption is reduced by concealing light sources, but visibility and aesthetic appeal of lighting features is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static opaque console into a dynamic system with a controllable light transmitting panel. This dynamic element allows the console to switch between opaque (energy-saving) and transparent (visibility-enhancing) states, resolving the contradiction between reducing power consumption and maintaining visibility of lighting features.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmitting panel modifies its optical transmission parameter in response to operational conditions. By changing the transparency parameter from opaque to transparent, the system can reduce power consumption during normal operation while restoring full visibility when lighting features are activated, effectively managing the energy-visibility trade-off.
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 reduces power consumption by minimizing light source visibility in bright conditions and enhances visibility in low-light environments, optimizing illumination levels and reducing the need for additional components or heat management.
Implementation Method 1
The light transmitting panel includes electrically dimmable shutter film that is operably between a high visible light transmission state and a low visible light transmission state
Implementation Method 2
The light transmitting panel includes electrically dimmable shutter film that is operably between a high visible light transmission state and a low visible light transmission state
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular overhead console module includes a base portion configured to attach at an interior cabin portion of a vehicle. A light source is accommodated by the base portion and is electrically operable to emit light. A light transmitting panel is disposed at the base portion and includes an electrically dimmable medium. The electrically dimmable medium is adjustable at least between a first light transmission state, where the light transmitting panel has a first level of light transmissivity, and a second light transmission state, where the light transmitting panel has a second level of light transmissivity. The first level of light transmissivity is greater than the second level of light transmissivity. When the electrically dimmable medium is at the first light transmission state, light emitted by the light source passes through the light transmitting panel to illuminate at least a portion of an interior cabin of the vehicle.