Peripheral spiral-shaped heating, antenna and sensor module for vehicle glazing, especially as an integrated or retrofittable system to prevent ice formation, condensation and signal interference.

Abstract

A peripheral, spirally guided conductor along the frame of a vehicle glazing, which simultaneously serves as an electrically heated element for the preventive avoidance of ice formation and condensation, as well as an RF antenna structure for AM, FM, GPS and / or LTE signals, and is controlled via an integrated sensor system for temperature, humidity and condensation as well as an electronic control unit, whereby the heating power and the antenna function are automatically adjusted depending on environmental conditions, interior parameters and operating states of the vehicle, and the conductor is either integrated into the laminated glass pane or applied to the inside of the pane as a self-adhesive retrofit module.

Description

1. Purpose of the invention

[0001] The invention serves to continuously ensure clear, ice-free and fog-free vehicle glazing while simultaneously using the same structure as an antenna for AM / FM / GPS / LTE signals.

[0002] In addition, the system enables energy-efficient, low-noise and sensor-based climate control in the area of ​​the windscreen surface, both during driving and during overnight periods of inactivity. 2. Technical Problem

[0003] Conventional vehicles have several separate systems: • Heating wires or warm air for defrosting, • separate antenna structures, • Point sensors without active control, • Inefficient dehumidification and uneven heating of the disc edges.

[0004] These systems are energy inefficient, slow, noisy, maintenance-intensive, and do not prevent the formation of ice or condensation, but only react afterwards.

[0005] Particularly with commercial vehicles, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles, significant safety and efficiency problems arise. 3. Solution approach of the invention

[0006] The invention combines a spiral-shaped peripheral conductor along the pane frame with heating function, antenna function, and integrated sensor technology. The conductor can be integrated into the laminated glass pane or applied as a self-adhesive retrofit module. 3.1 Mechanical module (if present) • Thin, flexible, spiral conductor (metal, CuNi, graphene, conductive film). • Positioning along the entire edge of the disc. • Optionally available as a self-adhesive film for retrofitting. • Mechanical decoupling from the glass by means of a thin polymer or PVB layer. 3.2 Electrical Module • Heating operation via 12-24 V vehicle electrical system. • Antenna operation via RF tap with filters. • Sensors: temperature, humidity, optional optical fogging sensor. • Control unit with summer / winter / night mode. • PWM control for quiet, energy-efficient operation. 4. Functionality and advantages • Prevents ice formation and condensation, rather than just removing them. • Uniform heating of the disc edge → no condensation zones. • Improved reception of AM / FM / GPS / LTE through spiral-shaped antenna structure. • Automatic control based on temperature and humidity. • Night mode: quieter, energy-saving operation to prevent frost. • Quick retrofit without replacing the glass (with film version). • Ideal for trucks, buses, EVs and autonomous vehicles. 5. Compatibility with standard products • Compatible with all laminated glass panels (front, rear, sides). • Connection to existing vehicle electrical systems (12 V cars, 24 V trucks). • RF interfaces compatible with standard antenna modules. • Retrofit version compatible with existing discs without structural changes. 6. Summary of the advantages • No ice formation → no scratching. • No fogging → clear vision in seconds. • Low energy consumption → ideal for EVs. • Silent operation → perfect for nighttime and periods of inactivity. • Improved radio and data signal reception. • One system replaces three separate systems. • Easy integration into series production or retrofitting. 7. State of the art and comparison

[0007] The state of the art includes: • horizontal heating wires in rear windows, • localized heating elements in windshields, • separate antennas in glass or bodywork, • Optical fogging sensors without active control.

[0008] None of these systems combines heating, antenna and sensors in a single peripheral module. 8. Comparison to the state of the art / today feature State of the art invention Heating function local, slow peripheral, preventive antenna separately integrated Sensors passive actively regulated Energy consumption high low noise high (blower) very low Retrofitting hardly possible simple (foil module) Autonomous vehicles insufficient ideal 9. Degree of innovation

[0009] The invention represents a functional integration that does not exist in the prior art.

[0010] It combines three systems - heating function, antenna function and active sensor technology - in a single peripheral component and enables both series integration and easy retrofitting of existing vehicle glazing.

[0011] The spiral-shaped peripheral conductor is novel in form, function and control and forms the basis for preventive, energy-efficient and low-noise disc management.

[0012] The invention is of particular importance for the automotive sector, as the integrated sensors are continuously active and thus significantly reduce the risk of ice formation and fogging.

[0013] This results in significantly improved visibility, increased driving safety, and stable operating conditions for driver assistance and autonomous systems. At the same time, the spiral antenna structure improves the reception range and signal quality of AM / FM / GPS / LTE services, which is particularly advantageous for modern connected vehicles. 10. Ergonomic and sustainable features • Reduced energy consumption → greater range for EVs. • No noise → greater comfort. • Less material required → one module instead of three systems. • Extended lifespan of the discs due to even heating. • Sustainable retrofitting without replacing the glazing.

[0014] Peripheral spiral-shaped heating, antenna and sensor module for vehicle glazing, especially as an integrated or retrofittable system to prevent ice formation, condensation and signal interference. Reference list (Fig. 2) 1 Windscreen 2 sensor modules (humidity sensor, temperature sensor - interior and window surface) 3 windshield wipers 4 FM / AM antenna structure 5 Condensation sensor (optical or capacitive) 6 heating wire (conventional, horizontal) 7 Peripheral heating coil conductor (spiral-shaped along the disc frame)

Claims

[1] A peripheral, spirally guided conductor along the frame of a vehicle glazing, which simultaneously serves as an electrically heated element for the preventive avoidance of ice formation and condensation, as well as an RF antenna structure for AM, FM, GPS and / or LTE signals, and is controlled by an integrated sensor system for temperature, humidity and condensation as well as an electronic control unit, whereby the heating power and the antenna function are automatically adjusted depending on environmental conditions, interior parameters and operating states of the vehicle, and the conductor is either integrated into the laminated glass pane or applied to the inside of the pane as a self-adhesive retrofit module. [2] Invention according to claim 1, characterized by, that the sensors continuously provide active measured values, based on which the control unit keeps the disc temperature above the freezing point and prevents condensation, thereby improving visibility and enabling the stable operation of safety-relevant systems such as driver assistance and autonomous cameras. [3] Invention according to claim 1, characterized by , that the spiral conductor operates almost silently in heating mode by means of pulse width modulated low-power control and provides an energy-efficient frost protection function, especially during overnight periods of inactivity of commercial vehicles, electric vehicles or vehicles with sleeping cabins. [4] Invention according to claim 1, characterized by, that the antenna function of the spiral conductor is separated from the heating function by RF filters, decoupling elements and defined tap points, thereby achieving improved reception quality and range of radio and data services. [5] Invention according to claim 1, characterized by that the system is suitable for front, rear and side windows and can be used in vehicles of all classes, especially trucks, buses, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles. [6] Invention according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spiral conductor consists of a transparent or semi-transparent conductive material such as copper-nickel alloys, silver nanowires, conductive polymers or graphene, thus enabling almost invisible integration into the disk surface. [7] Invention according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the conductor is designed as a self-adhesive, flexibly adaptable foil module that can be applied to existing vehicle glazing, thus allowing for simple and cost-effective retrofitting without replacing the window. [8] Invention according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit has a summer, winter and night mode in which heating power, antenna operation and sensors are automatically adjusted to climatic conditions, vehicle usage and energy availability to ensure optimal visibility and minimal power consumption. [9] Invention according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spiral conductor additionally creates a directed heat distribution along the edge of the disc, resulting in thermal buoyancy that improves the natural air circulation in the interior and accelerates the dehumidification of the disc surface. [10] Invention according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the system is compatible with driver assistance, camera and sensor systems of autonomous vehicles and ensures stable optical transparency for safety-relevant recognition and navigation processes by preventively avoiding fogging and ice formation.

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