Repositionable Windshield Glare Shield for Low-Angle Sun Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sun visors and electronic glare-blocking systems fail to effectively mitigate glare from the sun when it is below the top region of the windshield, requiring driver intervention and potentially causing distracted driving.

Innovation Solution

A removable shield with a tacky surface is positioned on the inner surface of the windshield to adhere temporarily, constructed from a polymeric material gel that can be repositioned to block glare from any angle, using a thickness that allows 25-80% visual light transmission and optionally tinted for specific glare reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If sun visors and extensions are installed to block glare, then glare protection is improved, but the driver's view is obstructed and the driver must raise a hand to shield glare when it lies below the visor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglare protectionVSAvoiddriver's view and control

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the windshield into multiple zones by positioning the shield at a specific location and angle, allowing different portions of the windshield to serve different functions - the shield blocks glare in its zone while leaving other zones clear for the driver's view and control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shield provides localized glare protection at the specific location where glare occurs, rather than blocking the entire windshield. The transparent or translucent material allows light transmission in non-glare areas while blocking intense glare locally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electrochromic elements are used to vary transparency, then glare blocking capability is improved, but the system complexity increases requiring sophisticated control systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglare blocking capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a simple, inexpensive transparent or translucent shield that can be manually positioned and removed, replacing complex electrochromic systems. The shield is a simple physical barrier that does not require electronic controls, power sources, or sophisticated systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the glare-blocking function from complex electrochromic systems and implements it through a simple transparent or translucent shield, separating the essential function from the unnecessary complexity of electronic control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a shield with tacky polymeric material gel substrate is used, then the shield can be temporarily adhered and repositioned, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverepositionabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the surface property parameter of the shield by applying a tacky polymeric material gel coating, which enables temporary adhesion and repositionability. This parameter change (adding tackiness) is achieved through a simple coating process rather than complex manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The shield combines a transparent or translucent substrate with a tacky polymeric material gel coating, creating a composite structure that provides both optical clarity and adhesion properties. This composite approach allows the shield to be temporarily attached and repositioned on the windshield

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 shield provides effective glare reduction without obstructing the driver's view, allowing safe and comfortable driving by blocking glare from any direction without requiring driver input.

Implementation Method 1

The shield has a first surface, a second surface, and at least one edge. At least one of the surfaces has a tackiness, which allows the shield to temporarily adhere to the inner surface of the window.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

A shield is positioned on the interior surface of the window between the individual and the glare so as to block the glare from the individual. The shield effectively reduces glare from any angle, improving driver comfort and safety by allowing the driver to maintain control of the vehicle without obstructing their view.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption and attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12600206B2Glare blocking assembly

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 MEDLEY JENNIFER M

AI summary

A system and method for visual, glare, and sun protection for use with windows, doors, and the like. The system is comprised of a self-adhering, transparent material used in combination with a window. The transparent material is positioned on the interior surface of the window by an individual based on the position of a light source. The transparent material absorbs the glare of the light source when in use. When visual protection from the light source is no longer needed, the transparent material may be easily removed for future use.