On the chrome pages of the catalog, on the computer and in the showroom it looks great, huge, high-resolution multimedia screens that allow you to control a multitude of functions with a light touch.
But besides raising the simple question of what is actually the big difference between them and fiddling with a mobile phone, we learn something else - it's a dirty piece of technology.
Because with the entry of more and more screens into our cars, we are also discovering their less pleasant side: the tendency to get covered in an amount of fingerprints which is a celebration for any forensic laboratory person, but if you just want a clean look in the car - it can be a nightmare.
Well General Motors, the parent company of Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Hummer wants to put an end to that, and has registered the first patent for such a system.
The appearance is spectacular, after a few days of use it is already less aesthetic (photo: manufacturer's website)
The idea behind the system is somewhat reminiscent of the method used in advanced solar panels coated with a light-sensitive chemical to prevent the development of bacteria.
However, unlike the solar panels, the vehicle's passenger compartment is not exposed to direct sunlight, so in the General Motors patent, the method is to place micro-LED bulbs that create ultraviolet light in the touch screen, and on top of the screen itself a transparent layer of the light-sensitive chemical.
When the chemical substance is exposed to the ultraviolet light and together with the moisture in the air, a chemical reaction is created that breaks down the oils that our fingers leave on the touch screens.
After disassembly, the materials evaporate and eliminate the fingerprints.
What the exact material used is not written in the patent.
When will we see it in our car?
Not really soon, but this is the direction (photo: manufacturer's website)
The filing of the patent at this stage signals a general direction in which the company is moving, but without actual mention of a target date or a specific model in which this system will appear for the first time.
Until then, you'll need to keep a soft cloth in the glove compartment, or gloves on your hands to keep your screen clean.
Tip: To clean a touch screen, do not use alcohol-based substances, nor window cleaning sprays, nor wet wipes or a damp cloth.
Microfiber cloths will do the job up to a certain level, but make sure they are soft and clean.
In computer equipment stores or on websites specializing in car cleaning agents, you can order soft lint-free cloths and a dedicated cleaning agent for touch screens.
The investment in proper cleaning will pay for itself and is much cheaper than replacing a touch panel.
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