Automobile glass window capable of improving image definition

Abstract

The invention relates to an automotive glazing with improved image sharpness. An automotive glazing assembly designed to enhance the functionality of a vehicle sensor device, in particular a camera. The assembly includes an outer glass layer having a uniform thickness, an inner glass layer also having a uniform thickness, and a polymer layer positioned between the two glass layers that bonds them together. A unique feature of such an assembly is localized regions where the inner glass and polymer layer are removed and replaced with wedge patches. The patch consists of a wedge-shaped polymer layer and a flat glass element attached thereto, the polymer layer having a non-uniform thickness that increases in one direction. The wedge-shaped patch is specially designed for reducing total internal reflection and dual imaging, thereby improving the optical clarity of a camera located behind the windshield. According to the innovation, the requirement for clear visibility of the sensor is met, and the structural integrity and design of the automobile glass are not affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to automotive glass technology. More specifically, the present invention relates to the structure and material enhancements of windshields for improving the functionality of vehicle sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which rely on sensors, including cameras, to monitor the vehicle's surroundings. These cameras are typically positioned behind the windshield and require a clear, unobstructed view to function optimally. However, standard automotive windshields present certain optical challenges that can degrade the image quality captured by these cameras.

[0003] One challenge is double imaging, or ghosting, where a single light source appears as two or more images. This effect is caused by multiple reflections within the layers of the windshield glass, resulting in total internal reflection. Double imaging significantly impairs a camera's ability to accurately interpret visual data, which is crucial for the safe operation of ADAS features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking systems.

[0004] Another problem stems from the curvature and thickness of conventional windshields, which cause light distortion and refraction as it passes through the glass. This distortion alters the perceived position of objects, reduces the camera's ability to accurately measure distance and relative speed, and potentially compromises the effectiveness of ADAS.

[0005] The automotive industry has sought solutions to these problems in various ways. One approach is to apply special coatings or treatments to the windshield to reduce reflections and refractions. Another strategy is to use a flat glass panel in front of the camera, which minimizes distortion but may be incompatible with the vehicle's overall design and aerodynamics. Attached Figure Description

[0006] For ease of identification of any particular element or action, the most significant digit in the reference numerals refers to the reference numeral where the element is first introduced.

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an automotive window assembly that improves image sharpness for one or more sensor devices, based on an example.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view depicting an automotive window assembly with improved image sharpness for one or more sensor devices, based on an example.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a flowchart describing a method for manufacturing an automotive window assembly, based on an example, to improve image sharpness for one or more sensor devices. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Based on several examples, this paper describes an automotive window assembly designed to reduce optical distortion affecting vehicle sensor equipment, particularly cameras, due to windshield properties. Conventional automotive glass can cause problems such as double imaging or ghosting, which can severely impair the functionality of cameras used in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These problems can stem from the inherent characteristics of standard windshields, including their curvature, thickness, and the potential for total internal reflection.

[0011] To address at least these challenges, some examples illustrate an automotive window assembly that incorporates a wedge-shaped patch in a localized area of ​​the windshield. This wedge-shaped patch is designed to reduce total internal reflections and improve the optical sharpness of a camera located behind the windshield. In some examples, the wedge-shaped patch comprises a wedge-shaped polymer layer coupled to a flat glass element, the polymer layer having a non-uniform thickness that increases in one direction. In some examples, the polymer layer is composed of materials such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ionomers, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), materials chosen for their optical properties and compatibility with the rest of the window assembly.

[0012] According to some examples, the design of wedge patches, including their size and tilt angle, is adjusted according to the curvature and thickness of the windshield to meet the specific optical requirements of sensors such as cameras.

[0013] According to some examples, automotive window assemblies include first (i.e., outer) and second (i.e., inner) glass layers, each exhibiting a consistent, uniform thickness, and bonded together by polymer layers of the same uniformity. A wedge-shaped patch is incorporated within a specifically defined localized area where the standard inner glass and polymer layers are removed. The wedge-shaped patch comprises a polymer layer with increasing thickness along one axis, forming a wedge shape. As described above, the wedge-shaped polymer layer can be formed from one or more of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) ionomers and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), selected based on their optical properties and compatibility with the window assembly. In some examples, the wedge-shaped patch also includes a flat glass element fixed to the wedge-shaped polymer layer.

[0014] The size of the wedge patch can be aligned with the field of view of the sensor device to improve the clarity of the sensor's operating range. Furthermore, in some examples, the wedge patch lacks any metallic coating that could potentially interfere with the signal transmission of the vehicle's antenna.

[0015] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram 100 illustrating an example of an automotive window assembly 102 that improves image sharpness for one or more sensor devices, according to some examples. The automotive window assembly 102 may be a windshield, rear window, or side window of a vehicle, including a wedge-shaped patch 104 applied to a local area 106.

[0016] The automotive window assembly 102 is constructed from a first glass layer and a second glass layer, each with a uniform thickness to ensure optical clarity and structural stability. Between these glass layers is a polymer layer that bonds them together, also maintaining the uniform thickness of the entire assembly. This polymer layer not only serves as an adhesive but also contributes to the safety and acoustic properties of the window assembly.

[0017] Based on some examples described herein, automotive window assembly 102 includes a wedge-shaped patch 104 strategically applied to a localized area 106 of the assembly. The localized area 106 may be located directly in front of one or more sensor devices, such as cameras, which are positioned behind the automotive window assembly 102. For example, the sensor devices may be part of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that requires a clear, distortion-free view through the window to function properly.

[0018] The wedge patch 104 may include a wedge-shaped polymer layer having a non-uniform thickness that increases in one direction along the axis. According to some examples, the angle and thickness gradient of the wedge-shaped polymer layer can be tuned to reduce or eliminate optical distortions, such as double imaging or ghosting, which occur due to total internal reflection within the glass window assembly 102. The wedge patch 104 redirects light in a manner that minimizes these distortions, thereby improving the quality of images captured by the sensor device.

[0019] According to some examples, the wedge patch 104 includes a glass element that is attached or otherwise bonded to the wedge polymer layer. The glass element may be flat and works with the wedge polymer layer to provide necessary optical correction. Materials for the wedge polymer layer, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ionomers, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), are chosen because of their optical properties, durability, and compatibility with the rest of the glass window assembly.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram 200 depicting a cross-sectional view of an automotive window assembly 202 that improves image sharpness for one or more sensor devices according to some examples. The automotive window assembly 202 can be incorporated into a vehicle as a windshield, rear window, or side window.

[0021] According to some examples, the automotive window assembly 202 includes several layers that contribute to its structural and optical properties. A first glass layer 204 is the environmentally oriented outer surface of the window assembly. A second glass layer 206 is positioned opposite the first layer 204. This second layer 206 is the vehicle interior-oriented surface.

[0022] Between the first glass layer 204 and the second glass layer 206 is one or more polymer layers 208. These polymer layers 208 can bond the first glass layer 204 and the second glass layer 206 together to form a laminated structure. The thickness of the polymer layers 208 can be uniform.

[0023] According to some examples, the automotive window assembly 202 may include a wedge-shaped patch 210 positioned in a localized area to meet specific optical requirements of one or more sensor devices associated with the vehicle. The wedge-shaped patch 210 includes a flat glass element 212 and a wedge-shaped polymer layer 214.

[0024] According to some examples, the thickness of the wedge-shaped polymer layer 214 is non-uniform and increases in one direction, thereby minimizing total internal reflection and improving image sharpness for one or more sensor devices. The wedge-shaped polymer layer 214 may comprise one or more of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ionomers, and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0025] Figure 3 This is a flowchart describing a method 300 for manufacturing automotive window assemblies to improve image sharpness for one or more sensor devices, based on some examples.

[0026] In operation 302, the method begins by providing a first glass layer having a first uniform thickness and a second glass layer having a second uniform thickness. The uniform thickness of each layer ensures consistent optical performance across the entire surface of the glass window assembly.

[0027] In operation 304, one or more polymer layers are disposed between the first glass layer and the second glass layer. For example, according to some examples, one or more polymer layers are applied to the first or second glass layer prior to the assembly of an automotive window. This polymer layer has a third uniform thickness and can serve as an adhesive medium to integrate the outer and inner glass layers into a single laminated structure. The application of the polymer layer can be performed first on the first glass layer, followed by aligning and bonding the second glass layer thereto, or vice versa. The choice of sequence can depend on manufacturing process or equipment preference. The polymer layer is composed of materials selected for their excellent adhesion quality and optical clarity, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ionomers, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0028] In operation 306, at least one sensor device is positioned adjacent to the automotive window assembly. The sensor device may include cameras or other types of sensors used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The location of the sensor device is carefully determined to ensure an unobstructed view through the window assembly. According to some examples, the placement of one or more sensor devices may be performed after the automotive window is assembled.

[0029] According to some examples, one or more sensor devices may not be physically attached to the glass window assembly itself. Instead, they may be located near or close to the fully assembled glass window assembly.

[0030] In operation 308, a portion of the second glass layer (i.e., the inner glass layer) and the polymer layer is removed from at least one localized area in front of the sensor device. This step involves a precise cutting technique to create a groove in the glass window assembly without damaging the surrounding structure. The removal of these portions is performed to accommodate the subsequent insertion of a wedge-shaped patch that will provide targeted optical correction for the sensor device.

[0031] In operation 310, the wedge patch is adhered to a localized area, or to the inner surface of the first glass layer (if all polymer layers have been removed from the localized area), or to the inner surface of one or more polymer layers. The wedge patch may include a wedge-shaped polymer layer having a non-uniform thickness that increases in one direction. This thickness gradient is specifically designed to correct optical distortions, such as double imaging or ghosting, which can affect the image sharpness of a sensor device. The wedge patch also includes a glass element attached to the wedge-shaped polymer layer. The glass element is flat and matches the optical properties of the rest of the glass window assembly. Adhesion of the wedge patch is achieved using an optically compatible adhesive that ensures secure and seamless integration with the existing glass and polymer layers.

[0032] Although the described flowcharts may show operations as a sequential process, many operations can be executed in parallel or concurrently. Furthermore, the order of operations can be rearranged. A process terminates when its operations are complete. A process can correspond to a method, program, algorithm, etc. The operations of a method can be executed entirely or partially, can be combined with some or all of the operations from other methods, and can be executed by any number of different systems, such as the system described herein or any part thereof, such as a processor included in any system.

[0033] Example

[0034] Therefore, some embodiments may include one or more of the following examples.

[0035] Example 1. An automotive window assembly comprising: a first glass layer; a second glass layer; a polymer layer disposed between the first and second glass layers, the polymer layer bonding the first glass layer to the second glass layer; at least one sensor device positioned adjacent to the automotive window assembly; a local region within the field of view of the at least one sensor device, the local region lacking the second glass layer and the polymer layer; and a wedge patch disposed within the local region, wherein the wedge patch comprises a wedge-shaped polymer layer and a glass element, the wedge-shaped polymer layer having a non-uniform thickness, the glass element being attached to the wedge-shaped polymer layer.

[0036] Example 2. An automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein a first glass layer includes a first uniform thickness, a second glass layer includes a second uniform thickness, and a polymer layer includes a third uniform thickness.

[0037] Example 3. The automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein the polymer layer comprises multiple polymer layers.

[0038] Example 4. The automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein at least one sensor device includes a camera.

[0039] Example 5. An automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein a wedge patch reduces total internal reflection in a local area in front of at least one sensor device within the automotive window assembly.

[0040] Example 6. The automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein the wedge-shaped polymer layer is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ionomers and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0041] Example 7. An automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein the automotive window assembly includes curvature and thickness, and wherein the wedge-shaped polymer layer includes a tilt angle based on the curvature and thickness of the automotive window assembly.

[0042] Example 8. An automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein the automotive window assembly includes curvature and thickness, and wherein the glass element includes a flat glass element.

[0043] Example 9. The automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein a local area is defined by a cutout in a second glass layer, and a wedge-shaped patch is inserted into the cutout.

[0044] Example 10. The automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein a wedge patch is bonded to a polymer layer by an optically compatible adhesive.

[0045] Example 11. The automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein the size of the wedge patch is based on the field of view of at least one sensor device.

[0046] Example 12. An automotive window assembly of Example 1, wherein the wedge patch includes an arrangement of at least one antenna such that the wedge polymer layer and the flat glass sheet are free of metallic coating in the vicinity of the at least one antenna.

[0047] Example 13. An automotive windshield assembly comprising: a first glass layer; a second glass layer; a polymer layer disposed between the first and second glass layers, the polymer layer bonding the first glass layer to the second glass layer; at least one sensor device positioned adjacent to the automotive windshield assembly; a local region in front of the at least one sensor device, wherein the second glass layer and the polymer layer are removed in the local region; and a wedge patch disposed in the local region, wherein the wedge patch comprises a wedge-shaped polymer layer and a glass element, the wedge-shaped polymer layer having a non-uniform thickness increasing in one direction, the glass element being attached to the wedge-shaped polymer layer.

[0048] Example 14. An automotive windshield assembly of Example 13, wherein a first glass layer includes a first uniform thickness, a second glass layer includes a second uniform thickness, and a polymer layer includes a third uniform thickness.

[0049] Example 15. The automotive windshield assembly of Example 13, wherein the polymer layer comprises multiple polymer layers.

[0050] Example 16. The automotive windshield assembly of Example 13, wherein at least one sensor device includes a camera.

[0051] Example 17. An automotive windshield assembly of Example 13, wherein a wedge patch reduces total internal reflection in a local area in front of at least one sensor device within the automotive windshield assembly.

[0052] Example 18. The automotive windshield assembly of Example 13, wherein the wedge-shaped polymer layer is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ionomers and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0053] Example 19. An automotive windshield assembly of Example 13, wherein the automotive window assembly includes curvature and thickness, and wherein the wedge-shaped polymer layer includes a tilt angle based on the curvature and thickness of the automotive windshield assembly.

[0054] Example 20. A method of manufacturing an automotive window assembly, the method comprising: providing a first glass layer having a first uniform thickness; providing a second glass layer having a second uniform thickness; disposing a polymer layer between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, the polymer layer having a third uniform thickness, and bonding the first glass layer to the second glass layer; positioning at least one sensor device behind the automotive window assembly; removing a portion of the second glass layer and the polymer layer in a local area in front of the at least one sensor device; and bonding a wedge patch in the local area, the wedge patch comprising: a wedge-shaped polymer layer having a non-uniform thickness increasing in one direction; and a glass element attached to the wedge-shaped polymer layer.

[0055] Although some examples of the subject matter of the invention have been described in detail above, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automotive window assembly, comprising: First glass layer; Second glass layer; A polymer layer is disposed between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, the polymer layer bonding the first glass layer to the second glass layer; At least one sensor device is positioned adjacent to the automotive window assembly; A local area, which is within the field of view of the at least one sensor device, is free of the second glass layer and the polymer layer; as well as A wedge-shaped patch, wherein the wedge-shaped patch is disposed in the local area, the wedge-shaped patch comprising: A wedge-shaped polymer layer having a non-uniform thickness; as well as A glass element, which is attached to the wedge-shaped polymer layer.

2. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the first glass layer has a first uniform thickness, the second glass layer has a second uniform thickness, and the polymer layer has a third uniform thickness.

3. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the polymer layer comprises a plurality of polymer layers.

4. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor device includes a camera.

5. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the wedge-shaped patch reduces total internal reflection in the local area in front of the at least one sensor device within the automotive window assembly.

6. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the wedge-shaped polymer layer is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ionomers, and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

7. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the automotive window assembly includes curvature and thickness, and wherein the wedge-shaped polymer layer includes a tilt angle based on the curvature and thickness of the automotive window assembly.

8. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the automotive window assembly includes curvature and thickness, and wherein the glass element includes a flat glass element.

9. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the partial area is defined by a cutout in the second glass layer, and the wedge-shaped patch is inserted into the cutout.

10. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the wedge patch is bonded to the polymer layer by an optically compatible adhesive.

11. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the size of the wedge patch is based on the field of view of the at least one sensor device.

12. The automotive window assembly of claim 1, wherein the wedge patch includes an antenna assembly such that the wedge polymer layer and the flat glass sheet are free of metallic coating in the vicinity of the at least one antenna.

13. A car windshield assembly, comprising: First glass layer; Second glass layer; A polymer layer is disposed between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, the polymer layer bonding the first glass layer to the second glass layer; At least one sensor device is positioned adjacent to the vehicle windshield assembly; A local area, in front of the at least one sensor device, in which the second glass layer and the polymer layer are removed; as well as A wedge-shaped patch, wherein the wedge-shaped patch is disposed in the local area, the wedge-shaped patch comprising: A wedge-shaped polymer layer having a non-uniform thickness that increases in one direction; as well as A glass element, which is attached to the wedge-shaped polymer layer.

14. The automotive windshield assembly of claim 13, wherein the first glass layer has a first uniform thickness, the second glass layer has a second uniform thickness, and the polymer layer has a third uniform thickness.

15. The automotive windshield assembly of claim 13, wherein the polymer layer comprises a plurality of polymer layers.

16. The automotive windshield assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one sensor device includes a camera.

17. The automotive windshield assembly of claim 13, wherein the wedge-shaped patch reduces total internal reflection in the local area in front of the at least one sensor device within the automotive windshield assembly.

18. The automotive windshield assembly of claim 13, wherein the wedge-shaped polymer layer is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ionomers, and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

19. The automotive windshield assembly of claim 13, wherein the automotive windshield assembly includes curvature and thickness, and wherein the wedge-shaped polymer layer includes a tilt angle based on the curvature and thickness of the automotive windshield assembly.

20. A method for manufacturing an automotive window assembly, comprising: Provide a first glass layer having a first uniform thickness; A second glass layer having a second uniform thickness is provided; A polymer layer is disposed between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, the polymer layer having a third uniform thickness, and the first glass layer is bonded to the second glass layer; At least one sensor device is positioned behind the automotive window assembly; Remove a portion of the second glass layer and the polymer layer in a localized area in front of the at least one sensor device; as well as The wedge-shaped patch is adhered to the local area, the wedge-shaped patch comprising: A wedge-shaped polymer layer having a non-uniform thickness that increases in one direction; as well as A glass element, which is attached to the wedge-shaped polymer layer.

Images