I engaged in the process of designing a Polarizing Window simulation from the ground up to reduce light intensity from headlights and improve road safety. This included conceptualization, research and development, prototyping and testing.
Background
The use of LED headlights in automobiles has grown dramatically in recent years because of their brightness, lifespan, and energy efficiency. Although these headlights are beneficial to the owner of the car. Taking immediate action is necessary due to the increase in complaints and accident reports linked to LED headlight glare. Reducing headlight-induced glare is crucial to preventing possible accidents and guaranteeing better driving conditions, as road safety is a public priority.​ The effectiveness of current anti-glare products, including polarized eyewear and auto-dimming rearview mirrors, in reducing headlight glare is poor. Yet, these solutions don’t provide enough to protect the drivers from the LED glare.
This project aims to reduce these risks by implementing an adaptive solution that dims the impact of incoming LED light using polarized film technology.
Here are two Polarizers that if are rotated at 90% stop light from passing through.
The Prototype (Proof of Concept)
This product is engineered for 3D printing, it has a modular design with only 3 distinct parts which were optimized to minimize the need for support during the printing process. The cost of the design is significantly lower compared to the market alternatives, while offering a unique feature. A photoresistor (light sensor) is integrated in the design to enable precise light intensity measurements. When light intensity exceeds a certain threshold, two polarizing films are rotated by a stepper motor, aligning the films at angles that reduce glare without obstructing visibility. ​This feature represents a significant improvement over the existing solutions in the market, which typically rely on polarized eyewear. This system is controlled by an Arduino Uno, which interprets the sensor data and triggers motor adjustments. The LCD module shows the current light intensity and system status.
Results
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The prototype successfully simulated a smart polarizing windshield system designed to reduce glare from oncoming LED headlights. ​
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LDR (photoresistor) measured the light intensity in real time.​
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LED brightness increased and decreased smoothly over time, controlled in code.​
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The LCD display consistently showed the brightness.​
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The stepper motor rotated accurately simulating a polarizing film mount by 30°, 60°, and 90° based on threshold light levels.
Creative Design
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The development of this project is ongoing. At present, efforts are focused on the design and implementation of a compact Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to minimize the size of electrical components and to get rid of the bulky breadboard. Concurrently, the enclosure design is being optimized to accommodate all the components within the space behind the bevel gear. Additionally, software optimization techniques are being employed to reduce power consumption through the utilization of sleep modes.
