Wireless Coupling for Dimmable Vehicle Window Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle window systems lack a robust and efficient method for wirelessly powering and controlling dimmable window elements, particularly in movable panels, which complicates the integration of electro-optic devices and requires cumbersome physical connections.

Innovation Solution

A wireless connection interface comprising a vehicle-side coupling module and a panel-side coupling module, using inductive or capacitive coupling to transmit power and control signals between the vehicle and the movable panel, allowing for alignment and secure mounting without additional connections, enabling the electro-optic element to adjust transmittance based on received signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical connections are used to power and control dimmable window elements, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical physical connections with wireless electromagnetic field-based power and signal transmission. The vehicle-side coupling module and panel-side coupling module communicate through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical electrical contacts between the movable panel and vehicle frame, thus reducing integration complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces coupling modules as intermediary devices that facilitate wireless communication between the vehicle's electrical system and the electro-optic device in the movable panel. These coupling modules act as mediators that transmit power and control signals through electromagnetic fields, simplifying the integration process while ensuring reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If wireless power transmission is implemented, then installation complexity is reduced, but power transmission efficiency may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidpower transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical electrical connections with wireless electromagnetic power transmission, reducing installation complexity. The coupling modules transmit power through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical wire connections while managing power transmission efficiency through optimized electromagnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If movable panels are used to enclose exterior openings, then vehicle design flexibility is improved, but maintaining electrical connections becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidconnection maintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrical connections with wireless electromagnetic communication, enabling movable panels to maintain electrical connections while moving freely. The coupling modules transmit power and control signals through electromagnetic fields, allowing the movable panel to enclose exterior openings with improved design flexibility without compromising connection maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 consistent and efficient electrical interface for controlling the transmittance of the window panel, reducing installation complexity and ensuring reliable operation of the electro-optic device within the vehicle's electrical system.

Implementation Method 1

using inductive or capacitive coupling to transmit power and control signals between the vehicle and the movable panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using inductive or capacitive coupling to transmit power and control signals between the vehicle and the movable panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

The electro-optic apparatus is configured to adjust in transmittance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS11787356B2Method of wirelessly powering and controlling a dimmable device

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a movable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle. The movable panel includes an electro-optic apparatus configured to adjust in transmittance. A wireless connection interface includes a vehicle-side coupling module and a panel-side coupling module. The vehicle-side coupling module is in connection with a support frame of the vehicle forming an opening that receives the movable panel. The vehicle-side coupling module is aligned with an interface surface of the movable panel. The wireless connection interface communicates power or electrical signals from a transmission unit of the vehicle-side coupling module to a reception module of the panel-side coupling module.