Abstract:
The present invention relates to vehicle interior solar panels and more specifically flexible vehicle interior solar panels. In one embodiment, the present invention is an automobile comprising an instrument panel including an instrument panel top surface, the instrument panel top surface including a portion defining a recessed portion, a first flexible solar panel located within the recessed portion, an energy storage unit connected to the first flexible solar panel and receiving electricity from the first flexible solar panel, and an electronic component connected to the energy storage unit.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to vehicle interior solar panels and more specifically to flexible vehicle interior solar panels. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    With rising energy costs, current automobiles face higher costs of operation. Thus, there have been investigations towards alternative fuel sources which oftentimes can be complex. Developing complex fuel sources can be extremely expensive. Furthermore, some fuel sources can be extremely dangerous, especially in an accident. 
         [0005]    Thus, there is a need for relatively inexpensive and reliable energy or fuel sources that are relatively safe in an accident. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In one embodiment, the present invention is an automobile comprising an instrument panel including an instrument panel top surface, the instrument panel top surface including a portion defining a recessed portion, a first flexible solar panel located within the recessed portion, an energy storage unit connected to the first flexible solar panel and to receive electricity from the first flexible solar panel, and an electronic component connected to the energy storage unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a vehicle interior solar system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary solar panel embedded into or on a dashboard or an instrument panel of automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2  along line A-A showing flexible solar panel embedded or placed into instrument panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2  along line A-A showing a translucent thin film placed on top of flexible solar panel such that both layers are within a recessed portion of instrument panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a vehicle interior solar system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a vehicle interior solar system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary solar panel embedded into or on a dashboard or an instrument panel of automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of two solar panels where one is on top of the other according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Apparatus, systems and methods that implement the embodiments of the various features of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate some embodiments of the present invention and not to limit the scope of the present invention. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a vehicle interior solar system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 1 , a vehicle  2  (e.g., an automobile) includes a flexible solar panel  4 , an energy storage unit  24 , a control unit  28 , and accessories  8 . Vehicle  2  can be, for example, a hybrid car, a car with a combustion engine, a hydrogen fuel cell car, an electric car, a car utilizing ethanol, and/or any other type of conventional or alternative fuel source car. 
         [0018]    Solar panel  4  is connected to control unit  28  through connection  34  and energy storage unit  24  through connection  30 . Flexible solar panel  4  can receive, for example, rays of light  10  containing solar energy from sun  22 , and convert the solar energy, for example, into usable energy. In one embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  converts the solar energy into electricity that can be stored in energy storage unit  24  and can be suitable for powering or use with accessories  8 . In another embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  converts solar energy into electricity with an appropriate wattage and voltage for storage in energy storage unit  24  and can be suitable for powering or use with accessories  8 . Rays  10  can be from other sources of energy, such as a light bulb. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary solar panel  4  embedded into or on a dashboard or an instrument panel  6  of automobile  2  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2  along line A-A showing flexible solar panel  4  embedded or placed into instrument panel  6  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , instrument panel  6  includes a recessed portion  16 . Flexible solar panel  4  is located within recessed portion  16  such that a top portion  12  of flexible solar panel  4  is flush with a top portion  14  of instrument panel  6 . 
         [0020]    Flexible solar panel  4  can be made of a material that is flexible enough to mold to the curvatures of instrument panel  6  and also be resistant to shattering. For example, flexible solar panel  4  can be made of a material that is resistant to shattering upon high impacts such as an automobile accident. In one embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  can have a durometer between 20 durometer Shore A to 70 durometer Shore A. 
         [0021]    Flexible solar panel  4  may be made of a material that allows vehicle  2  to earn three out of five stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) frontal crash driver rating, or where there is a 21% to 35% chance of serious injury to the driver in a head-on collision in which each vehicle is going 35 mph. In another embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  is made of a material that allows vehicle  2  to earn four out of five stars in the NHTSA frontal crash driver rating, or where there is 11% to 20% chance of serious injury to the driver in a head-on collision in which each vehicle is going 35 mph. In yet another embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  is made of a material that allows vehicle  2  to earn five out of five stars in the NHTSA frontal crash driver rating where there is a 10% chance of serious injury to the driver in a head-on collision in which each vehicle is going 35 mph. In still yet another embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  is made of a material to meet an appropriate safety standard given by an agency such as a federal, state, governmental, and/or regulatory agency. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  is made of a triple junction amorphous silicon material. In another embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  includes a flexible plastic backing with silicon deposited on top of the flexible plastic backing. In yet another embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  is made of nano-sized semiconductor crystals such as titanium dioxide. In one embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  can have a thickness of about 10 millimeters (mm) or less. By having flexible solar panel  4  have a thickness of about 10 mm or less, the weight of flexible solar panel  4  can advantageously be reduced. Furthermore, a thickness of about 10 mm or less increases the flexibility of flexible solar panel  4 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2  along line A-A showing a translucent thin film  18  placed on top of flexible solar panel  4  such that both layers are within recessed portion  16  of instrument panel  6  according to an embodiment of the present invention. That is, translucent thin film  18  is placed on top of flexible solar panel  4  such that a top portion  20  of translucent thin film  18  is flush with top portion  14  of instrument panel  6 . Translucent thin film  18  provides a protective coating or cover over flexible solar panel  4  to reduce glare and reflections onto a windshield of vehicle  2  and to prevent scratches or other damage from occurring on flexible solar panel  4 . Translucent thin film  18  can also be flexible and resistant to shattering upon high impacts. Translucent thin film  18  can also be made of a material that meets a safety standard for a federal, state, governmental, and/or regulatory agency. 
         [0024]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , energy storage unit  24  is connected to flexible solar panel  4  through connection  30 , control unit  28  through connection  36 , and accessories  8  through connection  32 . Energy storage unit  24  stores energy received from flexible solar panel  4 . Also, energy storage unit  24  can convert energy received from flexible solar panel  4  into an appropriate wattage and voltage for use with accessories  8 . Energy storage unit  24  can be, for example, a battery, a super capacitor, a conventional capacitor, a hybrid battery, and/or fuel cells. 
         [0025]    Accessories  8  are connected to energy storage unit  24  through connection  32  and control unit  28  through energy storage unit  24 . Accessories  8  can be, for example, one or more headlights, clocks, automatic car opening and closing systems, car alarms, audio and video systems, global positioning systems (“GPS”), radar detectors, portable music players, computers, various electronic devices which can be connected to a DC socket within automobile  2 , fans, etc. Energy storage unit  24  can be a relatively light weight device. In one embodiment, energy storage unit  24  weighs less than 10 kilograms (kg). In various embodiments, energy storage unit  24  may weigh less than 5 kg, 2 kg or 1 kg. 
         [0026]    Accessories  8  can be a battery for automobile  2 , which is an electric vehicle. This can advantageously increase the distance that the electric vehicle travels without being plugged into an outlet for charging. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment, accessories  8  can be a battery for automobile  2 , which is a hybrid vehicle. This can further improve the efficiency of the hybrid vehicle and reduce the amount of liquid fuel consumed. Thus, the present invention may advantageously increase the miles per gallon that automobile  2  gets out of its liquid fuel such as gasoline. 
         [0028]    Furthermore, an ignition system (not shown) can also be part of accessories  8 . If the ignition system is part of accessories  8 , then a traditional battery may not be needed in addition to energy storage unit  24  or a weight of the traditional battery can be reduced. This advantageously can reduce a weight of automobile  2  by 10 kg, 20 kg, 30 kg, or more. Reducing the weight of automobile  2  can be more efficient since automobile  2  will have to transport less weight. With energy prices and energy efficiency requirements potentially increasing this can have a significant impact on the viability of automobile  2 . 
         [0029]    Furthermore, traditional batteries are generally placed in a front compartment of automobile  2 . By removing or reducing the weight of traditional batteries in automobile  2 , a better weight distribution can be achieved. For example, a weight distribution that is closer to a 50/50 weight distribution between the front of automobile  2  and a rear of automobile  2  can be achieved in automobile  2 . A 50/50 weight distribution can also improve performance and efficiency of automobile  2 . 
         [0030]    In addition, since energy storage unit  24  receives energy from flexible solar panel  4 , a risk of automobile  2  being unable to start due to a lack of energy can be reduced, especially during day time where there is ample lighting. That is because flexible solar panel  4  can provide energy to energy storage unit  24  without automobile  2  having its engine on or being active. Thus, energy storage unit  24  can be recharged or replenished. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, energy storage unit  24  can also have its energy level recharged or replenished through a feedback system connected to a motor of automobile  2 ; in addition to having its energy level replenished by flexible solar panel  4 . In another embodiment, energy storage unit  24  can also have its energy level recharged or replenished through a feedback system connected to brakes of automobile  2 . 
         [0032]    Optional control unit  28  is connected to flexible solar panel  4  through connection  34 , energy storage unit  24  through connection  36 , and accessories  8  through connection  38 . In one embodiment, control unit  28  monitors an energy output from flexible solar panel  4 , an amount of energy stored in energy storage unit  24  and an energy consumption level of accessories  8 . Control unit  28  can automatically configure all or a number of accessories  8  to draw energy from energy storage unit  24 . Control unit  28  can also allow a user of automobile  2  to select which accessories  8  to draw energy from energy storage unit  24 . 
         [0033]    Control unit  28  can determine, based on the energy consumption level of accessories  8 , the amount of energy stored in energy storage unit  24 , the energy output from flexible solar panel  4 , and whether the amount of energy stored in energy storage unit  24  is increasing or decreasing. When the amount of energy stored in energy storage unit  24  is decreasing, control unit  28  can determine an amount of time left before the energy stored in energy storage unit  24  is depleted. In one embodiment, control unit  28  provides a warning to a user of automobile  2  when the energy will be depleted in energy storage unit  24  within a predetermined period of time or a number of miles. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, control unit  28  can automatically deactivate one or more accessories  8  when the amount of energy stored in energy storage unit  24  is below a predetermined amount of energy. In yet another embodiment, control unit  28  automatically deactivates all accessories  8  when the amount of energy stored in energy storage unit  24  is below a predetermined amount of energy. This can be particularly beneficial, for example, when a user is attempting to start a car. If the user has accidentally left one accessory  8  on, which drains energy, such as the headlights, and there is not enough sunlight to fully sustain the energy consumption of the headlights, control unit  28  can automatically shut off the headlights and preserve enough energy within energy storage unit  24  to start automobile  2  through the ignition system immediately or within a reasonable amount of time. 
         [0035]    In operation, sun  22  transmits solar energy to flexible solar panel  4  through rays  10 . Flexible solar panel  4  receives the solar energy through rays  10  and converts the solar energy into usable energy that is stored in energy storage unit  24  and utilized by accessories  8  such as electricity with an appropriate wattage and voltage. In one embodiment, the voltage is approximately 12 volts. Flexible solar panel  4  transmits the usable energy through connection  30  to energy storage unit  24 . Energy storage unit  24  stores the usable energy. Accessories  8  draw the usable energy stored by energy storage unit  24  to operate through connection  32 . 
         [0036]    Control unit  28  monitors the energy output from flexible solar panel  4 , the amount of energy stored in energy storage unit  24  and the energy consumption level of each accessory  8 . Control unit  28  can determine which accessory  8  is using the most energy and the driver or user of automobile  2  can be notified (e.g., via a display screen) which accessory  8  is consuming the most energy so the driver or user can turn off the accessory  8  that is using the most energy. Control unit  28  can display appropriate warnings to the user of automobile  2  based on the amount of energy stored in energy storage unit  24  and the energy consumption level of accessories  8 . Control unit  28  can also control whether one or more accessories  8  are turned off or on. 
         [0037]    If there is an accident, flexible solar panel  4  can bend and contort itself in response to a high impact. Furthermore, by being flexible, flexible solar panel  4  can resist shattering. This can reduce or eliminate the number of projectiles that flexible solar panel  4  emits. By reducing the number of projectiles that flexible solar panel  4  emits, it is contemplated that this could produce a safer environment for the user of automobile  2  since projectiles could impact the user at a high velocity causing harm to the user. Furthermore, the projectiles can get into sensitive areas of the user such as the user&#39;s eye, and cause serious damage to the user&#39;s eye. Furthermore, even after the projectiles are in a resting position, they could be sharp and thus the projectiles could form a hazardous zone around the user and also any rescue workers attempting to rescue the user. Thus, flexible solar panel  4  could improve the safety of automobile  2 . 
         [0038]    Furthermore, by being shatter resistant, it is contemplated that the necessity to replace flexible solar panel  4  after an accident has occurred could be reduced. This could increase the longevity of flexible solar panel  4  and reduce the cost of operation and/or repair of automobile  2 . 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, flexible solar panel  4  is not formed around an area where an airbag is to be deployed from instrument panel  6  such as in a passenger area as opposed to a driver area. For example, flexible solar panel  4  can have a hole in a center where an airbag is to be deployed. This can reduce the probability that flexible solar panel  4  can be damaged and/or hamper the ability of airbag  4  to be deployed. In another embodiment, when the airbag is deployed, flexible solar panel  4  can form two or more panels such that the airbag can be deployed between the two or more panels. In yet another embodiment, the airbag can be deployed such that it lifts a portion of instrument panel  6  along with flexible solar panel  4 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a vehicle interior solar system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 5 , the present invention can include two solar panels, first solar panel  40  and second solar panel  42 . First solar panel  40  and second solar panel  42  can be made of the same material as flexible solar panel  4  and can also be flexible solar panels. First solar panel  40  and second solar panel  42  can be made of the same material as each other or different materials from each other. 
         [0041]    First solar panel  40  and second solar panel  42  are connected to energy storage unit  24  through connections  44  and  48 , respectively. First solar panel  40  and second solar panel  42  are connected to control unit  28  through connections  46  and  50 , respectively. In one embodiment, first solar panel  40  is located in a first location and second solar panel  42  is located in a second location. In another embodiment, first solar panel  40  is located on instrument panel  6 , while second solar panel  42  is located on a rear of automobile  2  in a parcel shelf (not shown). Control unit  28  can monitor the energy output from first solar panel  40  and second solar panel  42 , the amount of energy stored in energy storage unit  24  and the energy consumption level of accessories  8 . Control unit  28  can display appropriate warnings to the user of automobile  2  based on the amount of energy stored in energy storage unit  24  and the energy consumption level of accessories  8 . Control unit  28  can also control whether one or more accessories  8  are turned off or on. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a vehicle interior solar system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 6 , second solar panel  42  is located between first solar panel  40  and sun  22 . First solar panel  40  can be made of the same material as flexible solar panel  4  and can also be a flexible solar panel. Second solar panel  40  can be made of a translucent and/or semi-translucent material. Second solar panel  40  can also be a flexible solar panel. In addition, second solar panel  40  can comprise, for example, translucent thermoplastic resin, such as polycarbonate. Second solar panel  40  can also comprise, for example, a multi-walled translucent polycarbonate sheet material. In one embodiment, second solar panel  40  is a dye-infused, translucent solar cell integrated into a translucent material such as a window. In another embodiment, second solar panel  40  comprises a nano-particulate porous film formed on a conductive substrate, a layer of dye, a transparent conductor, and an electrolyte located between the layer of dye and the conductive substrate. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 , sun  22  can emit rays  10  onto second solar panel  10 . Some of the solar energy from rays  10  can be absorbed by second solar panel  42 . Rays  10  can flow through second solar panel  42  onto first solar panel  40  where first solar panel  40  can receive the remaining rays  10  and solar energy. This can improve the amount of solar energy absorbed and also improve the amount of usable energy generated as a result of the absorption of solar energy. 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary solar panel embedded into or on a dashboard or an instrument panel of automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, second solar panel  42  is a window of automobile  2 . Second solar panel  42  can be made of a translucent and/or semi-translucent material sufficient to allow the user of automobile  2  to have adequate visibility of a road and/or her surroundings. Since automobiles in general utilize windows, better space and energy efficiency may be achieved by replacing conventional windows or windshields with second solar panel  42 . Furthermore, the use of second solar panel  42  may be advantageous in reducing an amount of rays  10  that is visible to the user of automobile  2 . This can advantageously reduce an amount of glare that the user of automobile  2  receives thus improving the visibility for the user. 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of two solar panels where one is on top of the other according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 8 , second solar panel  42  can be placed on top of first solar panel  40 . This can improve the amount of solar energy captured by the present invention since instead of only one solar panel, there are now two solar panels used to capture the solar energy. This can increase an amount of solar energy captured without increasing the amount of space required on instrument panel  6  since second solar panel  42  is placed on top of first solar panel  40 . This is advantageous since rising fuel costs may require automobile  2  and solar panels to be limited in size. 
         [0046]    The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosed methods and apparatus. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed method and apparatus. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.