Automotive glass heating system with independent zone activation

Abstract

To provide an automobile glass heating system having independent zone operation for efficiently managing defrosting and defogging of an automobile glass element such as a windshield.SOLUTION: The automotive glass heating system allows for independent control of multiple heating zones across the surface of the glass, allowing for accurate and efficient management of thermal energy distribution. The control unit manages the operation of the heating zones based on various inputs to optimize the low voltage power consumption of the vehicle. The system also ensures compatibility with vehicle electronics and sensor systems, such as those used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), by allowing selective heating of the area in front of these devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to the technical field of automotive glass systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for heating automotive glass. [Background technology]

[0002] Automotive glass, such as windshields and windows, are often essential components of vehicle design, providing structural integrity, visibility, and protection for occupants from external elements. A common challenge associated with automotive glass is the accumulation of ice, frost, or fog, which can obstruct driver visibility and impair the functionality of onboard cameras, which are essential for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

[0003] Traditionally, automotive glass heating solutions have utilized uniform heating elements embedded within or formed (painted, coated, or deposited) on the glass surface to defrost or defog the entire pane of glass. While somewhat effective in providing clear visibility, these systems often require significant energy consumption and may not offer the flexibility needed to address localized visibility issues or operate efficiently under a variety of environmental conditions.

[0004] Additionally, the integration of vehicle antennas and the need to maintain ADAS camera functionality introduce additional complexity into the design of automotive glass heating systems. The presence of metallic coatings used for heating can interfere with signal transmission, necessitating design considerations that balance heating functionality with the operational requirements of vehicle communication systems and onboard sensors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] To easily identify the description of any particular element or act, the most significant digit(s) of a reference number refers to the number of the figure in which that element is first introduced.

[0006] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cover glass having an independent zone-operated heating system, according to some examples.

[0007] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an auto glass heating system with independent zone operation, according to some examples.

[0008] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle having an auto glass heating system with independent zone operation, according to some examples.

[0009] [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing segmented heating of automotive glass, according to certain examples.

[0010] [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing automotive glass having independent zone-activated heating, according to some examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Some examples herein address the above challenges by improving energy efficiency, enhancing visibility under diverse conditions, and ensuring compatibility with vehicle electronics and ADAS components. Some examples address the challenge of efficiently managing defrosting and defogging of automotive glass, such as windshields, within a vehicle. Existing systems typically uniformly heat the entire glass surface, which can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and may not provide targeted defrosting or defogging where it is needed most, such as within the driver's line of sight or over an onboard camera. Furthermore, the use of metallic coatings in conventional heating systems can interfere with vehicle antennas and ADAS cameras, impairing vehicle functionality. Some examples overcome these limitations by providing a more energy-efficient, targeted heating solution that is compatible with vehicle electronics and sensor systems.

[0012] According to a specific example, an automotive glass heating system with independent zone actuation is described. This system allows for independent control of multiple heating zones across the surface of the glass, enabling more precise and efficient management of thermal energy distribution. The multiple segmented heating zones are designed to accommodate specific areas of the automotive glass's clear pane, such as those prone to higher moisture accumulation or areas of critical visibility for the driver and sensors.

[0013] The control unit manages the operation of the heating zones. According to a particular example, the control unit can respond to a variety of inputs, including inputs received via a user interface, real-time weather conditions, vehicle operating conditions such as speed or engine temperature, and sensor data indicating the presence of condensation or ice. This targeted operation ensures that energy is not wasted on heated areas of the glass that do not require defrosting or defogging, thereby optimizing the vehicle's low-voltage power consumption.

[0014] Additionally, some examples consider the need to maintain the functionality of onboard cameras and antennas. By allowing selective heating of the area in front of these devices, some examples attempt to ensure that visibility and signal transmission are not impaired. This can be particularly important for maintaining the effectiveness of ADAS, which rely on a clear camera view for safe operation.

[0015] In some examples, the system can receive input to customize or define heating patterns based on input received through a vehicle interface. A user can prioritize which zones to heat based on their needs, further increasing the efficiency and responsiveness of the system. For example, the control unit may activate a heating element in a camera zone when a sensor detects moisture or condensation that could obscure the camera's view, or activate a heating element in a wiper zone when the temperature drops to the point where the wipers are at risk of freezing to the windshield.

[0016] In some examples, the system utilizes thresholds, such as temperature thresholds, to determine when to activate one or more of the segmented heating zones on the auto glass. For example, the control unit can be equipped with various sensors, such as temperature sensors, or configured to receive sensor data from a diagnostic system associated with the vehicle. Thus, the control unit can be programmed with predetermined temperature thresholds that serve as activation criteria for the heating zones.

[0017] For example, the system may be set to activate a heating zone in front of the driver's line of sight when the outside temperature falls below a certain threshold indicating the possibility of ice formation. Similarly, a heating zone over the camera area may be activated when temperature and humidity conditions suggest the possibility of fogging, which could impair the functionality of the camera.

[0018] In addition to temperature, the system can consider other factors, such as the presence of moisture or ice detected by additional sensors, to refine the decision-making process for activating heating zones. This ensures that the heating system operates only when necessary, conserving energy while maintaining optimal visibility through the automotive glass.

[0019] According to a particular example, the metallic coating formed on one or more of the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass clear pane is segmented into zones designated for different functions. As described above, these zones are independently powered and controlled, allowing, for example, heating of the driver's vision area, the camera zone, and the wiper blade area as needed.

[0020] By way of specific example, segmentation is achieved by precise techniques such as laser ablation, which creates gaps between zones to ensure electrical isolation, or mechanical etching and masking, which can be used to tailor the heating elements to the specific contours and requirements of the vehicle's glass.

[0021] 1 is a diagram 100 illustrating an example of an automotive glass 102 having an independent zone-operated heating system. According to a particular example, the automotive glass 102, which may be a windshield, rear window, or side window of a vehicle, includes at least a first heating zone 104 and a second heating zone 106.

[0022] As seen in FIG. 100, in some examples, the first heating zone 104 may include an area that covers a significant portion of the auto glass 102, providing overall defrosting and defogging capabilities. This zone may be activated to improve driver visibility or to ensure overall visibility through the auto glass 102 under certain conditions, such as cold weather or high humidity.

[0023] The second heating zone 106 is positioned to correspond to the field of view of a sensor device mounted on or adjacent to the auto glass 102. The sensor device may be a camera, LiDAR, or any other sensor that requires a clear line of sight through the glass to function properly. The second heating zone 106 is specifically designed to prevent condensation, ice, or fog from blocking the sensor's field of view, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the sensor device.

[0024] A gap 108 separates the first heated zone 104 and the second heated zone 106. The gap 108 is an unheated region that electrically separates the two zones, allowing for independent control of heating. The gap 108 can be formed by a variety of methods known to those skilled in the art, such as laser ablation, mechanical etching, or masking techniques during the manufacturing process of the cover glass 102.

[0025] In some examples, the system may include a control unit (not shown in FIG. 1 ) configured to independently activate the first heating zone 104 and the second heating zone 106. The control unit may receive input from a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, or manual input from a vehicle user interface to determine when and which heating zone to activate. For example, the control unit may activate the second heating zone 106 when the temperature falls below a predetermined threshold or when moisture is detected within the field of view of the sensor.

[0026] As seen in FIG. 100, heating zones 104, 106 include a first set of bus bars 110 and a second set of bus bars 112 that supply power to the respective zones. The bus bars are designed to distribute power evenly across each heating zone, ensuring uniform heating and preventing cold spots.

[0027] According to a particular example, a first set of bus bars 110 are configured to distribute power across the first heating zone 104. These bus bars are strategically positioned and designed to ensure uniform heating throughout the zone and prevent cold spots that can impair visibility. The bus bars may be made of a conductive material, such as copper or a silver alloy, and are embedded within or attached to the surface of the cover glass 102 in a pattern that optimizes heat distribution.

[0028] Similarly, a second set of bus bars 112 is associated with the second heating zone 106 and serves to supply power specifically to this area. The design and placement of the second set of bus bars 112 is tailored to the smaller size and specific shape of the second heating zone 106 to ensure precise heating to maintain clarity of the sensor device's field of view without wasting energy in unnecessary areas.

[0029] In some examples, the auto glass 102 may include additional heating zones not shown in Figure 1 tailored to other specific needs, such as areas prone to ice where the windshield wipers stop, or areas aligned with other critical sensors on the vehicle. The design and placement of these additional heating zones may be based on the design and operating requirements of the vehicle.

[0030] 2 is a diagram 200 illustrating an example of an auto glass heating system 202 with independent zone operation. As seen in diagram 200, the auto glass system 202 features a first heating zone 204 and a second heating zone 206, each tailored to the specific defrosting or defogging requirements of the auto glass.

[0031] The first heating zone 204 is a large area that can encompass a large portion of the vehicle glass, providing overall heating capacity to maintain clear visibility for the driver under various environmental conditions. The second heating zone 206, depicted as being completely surrounded by the first heating zone 204, is a specialized area that can accommodate the field of view of a critical sensor or camera mounted on the vehicle. The second heating zone 206 is designed to ensure that the sensor or camera maintains a clear line of sight through the glass without any visual obstructions caused by condensation, ice, or fog.

[0032] According to a particular example, the automotive glass heating system 202 includes a gap 208 separating the first heating zone 204 from the second heating zone 206. The gap 208 acts as an electrical barrier, ensuring that each heating zone can operate independently without interfering with the other. The gap 208 can be formed using precision techniques such as laser ablation, which removes a portion of the coating to create a clear separation, or by a mechanical etching or masking process during the glass's manufacturing process. The width and characteristics of the gap 208 can be determined based on the voltage levels used and the specific heating requirements of the zones.

[0033] In some examples, the coatings formed in each heating zone may vary in composition to enhance specific properties as needed for each zone. For example, the coating in the first heating zone 204 may be formulated for rapid and uniform heating over a large area, while the coating in the second heating zone 206 may be optimized for fast response and high transparency so as not to interfere with sensor functionality. The coatings may include materials such as conductive metal elements that may be layered or alloyed to achieve desired electrical and optical properties. According to specific examples, the conductive metal elements may include one or more of: a dielectric compound such as silver, gold, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, titanium oxide, indium oxide, or a combination of such materials; or a carbon compound such as graphene or nanotubes.

[0034] Bus bars are utilized to provide power to the heating zones. For the second heating zone 206, a set of bus bars (not shown in FIG. 2) are carefully positioned to connect to this zone without compromising the isolation provided by the gap 208. The bus bars may be arranged in a pattern that follows the periphery of the second heating zone 206 to ensure even distribution of heat and maintain the integrity of the isolation from the first heating zone 204.

[0035] 3 is a diagram 300 illustrating an example of a vehicle 302 having an auto glass heating system 304 with independent zone operation. As shown in diagram 300, the auto glass heating system 304 can be applied to a windshield 306 of the vehicle 302.

[0036] According to a particular example, windshield 306 includes an auto glass heating system 304 incorporating multiple heating zones, such as those described in Figures 1 and 2, that can be independently activated to defrost or defog specific areas of windshield 306 as needed.

[0037] An integrated sensor 308 including a camera is mounted to the vehicle 302 at a location corresponding to one of multiple heating zones of the auto glass heating system 304. For example, the camera may be part of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and used for features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, or automatic emergency braking. To ensure optimal performance of the camera, especially in cold or humid conditions that may lead to windshield obstruction, the auto glass heating system 304 is configured to provide targeted heating to an area of ​​the windshield 306 that corresponds to the camera's field of view.

[0038] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 for providing segmented heating of a car glass, according to a particular example. Method 400 describes a system for selectively heating different zones of a car glass, such as the car glass shown in FIG. 3, to maintain clear visibility and address specific needs, such as defrosting or de-fogging areas critical to sensor operation.

[0039] In operation 402, the method begins by providing an automotive glass element, including a transparent window pane. A coating is applied to the surface of the transparent window pane, and the coating is segmented into multiple heating zones. The transparent window pane typically forms part of the vehicle's windshield, rear window, or side window. The coating may be a conductive material, such as a metallic coating, that facilitates the transfer of heat when an electric current is applied. Segmenting the coating into heating zones is achieved by methods such as laser ablation, mechanical etching, or masking to create separate regions that can be heated independently.

[0040] In operation 404, a plurality of bus bars are electrically connected to each of the plurality of heating zones. The bus bars are conductive strips that distribute power to the heating zones and are designed to ensure uniform heating across each zone. The bus bars can be made from materials such as copper or aluminum and are configured to match the shape and size of the respective heating zones they serve.

[0041] In operation 406, input to activate one or more heating zones of the plurality of heating zones is received from a control unit. The control unit processes information from various sensors, such as temperature, humidity, or optical sensors, to determine the need for activation of a particular heating zone. The control unit can also receive manual input from a vehicle user interface, allowing the driver to control the heating zones as needed.

[0042] Power is supplied to each bus bar associated with one or more heating zones that are activated based on input from the control unit in operation 408. The control unit manages the power supply by adjusting the voltage or current to the bus bars, which may include modulation techniques such as pulse width modulation (PWM) to control the intensity of the heating.

[0043] In operation 410, one or more heating zones are activated by heating the coating in a particular area corresponding to the activated heating zone. Activation of the heating zone results in defrosting or defogging of the corresponding area of ​​the transparent window glass, ensuring clear visibility through the automotive glass.

[0044] While the described flow diagrams may depict operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Further, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process terminates when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a procedure, an algorithm, etc. The operations of a method may be performed in whole or in part, may be performed in conjunction with some or all of the operations of other methods, and may be performed by any number of different systems, such as the systems described herein, or any portion thereof, such as a processor included in any of the systems.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 for manufacturing automotive glass having independent zone-activated heating, according to some examples.

[0046] In operation 502, the method begins by providing an automotive glass element, including a transparent window glass. A layer intended to be heated to defrost or defog the window glass is formed on the surface of the transparent window glass. The layer can include various material applications that perform the primary function of enabling the transparent window glass to heat when an electric current is applied. According to specific examples, the layer can include one or more of the following: a coating, which is a thin film composed of a conductive material such as a metallic element and typically applied by spraying, dipping, or brushing; a substrate; a finish, such as a surface treatment with conductive properties to facilitate heating; a film, which includes a flexible thin sheet including a conductive polymer that generates heat in response to an electrical stimulus; an overlay, which includes a conductive material bonded to or formed directly on the window glass; plating, which includes the deposition of a conductive metal layer on the glass surface, for example, by electroplating; a laminate, which includes a composite of multiple bonded layers, one or more of which includes a conductive material for heating; and a film, which includes a composite material with conductive elements that enable it to act as a heating zone when electrically charged.

[0047] According to certain examples, the particular form of the layer, whether it be a coating, substrate, finish, membrane, overlay, plating, laminate, or film, is selected based on the properties required for the heating system, such as conductivity, transparency, and durability.

[0048] In operation 504, the formed (coated, deposited) layer is segmented into multiple heating zones. This segmentation is achieved by using one or more of laser ablation, mechanical etching, and masking techniques. Laser ablation involves using a laser to precisely remove material from the layer to create isolated regions. Mechanical etching involves physically removing material from the layer, and masking involves covering portions of the layer during the layer formation process to form separate zones. These techniques ensure that each heating zone can be controlled independently without interference from adjacent zones.

[0049] In operation 506, one or more bus bars are electrically connected to one or more of the plurality of heating zones. Bus bars are conductive elements that supply power to the heating zones. They are designed to fit the shape and size of the heating zones and are strategically positioned to ensure uniform distribution of power, thereby enabling uniform heating of the zones.

[0050] In operation 508, a control unit is configured to activate one or more heating zones of the plurality of heating zones. The control unit is programmed to supply power to one or more bus bars associated with the one or more heating zones. The control unit can receive inputs from various sources, such as manual inputs or sensor inputs from a vehicle user interface indicating environmental conditions or the presence of condensation or ice on the transparent window glass. The control unit processes these inputs to determine which heating zones need to be activated to optimize visibility through the automotive glass. term Automotive Glass: A term referring to the glass components of a vehicle, including the windshield, side windows, rear window, and sometimes the sunroof. Automotive glass provides structural integrity, visibility, and protection for occupants from the outside elements. Laser Ablation: A precision technique used to remove material from a surface, and in this regard, to create gaps in the coating of an auto glass element to segment the heating zones. Mechanical Etching: A process that involves physically removing material from a surface to create a pattern or design, used here to segment heating zones in automotive glass. Masking Technique: A method used during the manufacturing process to protect certain areas of a surface while a coating or other treatment is applied to the rest of the surface. In automotive glass, this can be used to create segmented heating zones. Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM): A method of controlling the power delivered to an electrical device by modulating the width of voltage pulses in the signal. Metallic Coating: A layer of metallic material formed on the surface of a transparent window pane, etc., to provide conductive properties for heating purposes. Sensor Device: An electronic component or system, such as a camera or LiDAR, mounted on a vehicle that requires a clear line of sight through the automotive glass to function correctly. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): A set of technologies and electronic systems in a vehicle that assist the driver in the driving process and increase vehicle safety.

Claims

1. 1. A system for heating automotive glass, comprising: an automotive glazing element having a transparent window pane; a layer formed on the surface of the transparent window pane, the layer including a plurality of heating zones, each heating zone corresponding to a specific area of ​​the transparent window pane; one or more bus bars electrically connected to one or more of the plurality of heating zones to provide power to each heating zone; a control unit for supplying the electrical power to a respective bus bar to activate one or more heating zones of the plurality of heating zones; A system for heating automotive glass, comprising:

2. 10. The system for heating automotive glass of claim 1, wherein the coating comprises a metallic coating.

3. 10. The system for heating cover glass of claim 1, wherein the coating is segmented by one or more gaps between adjacent heating zones separating each heating zone of the plurality of heating zones.

4. 4. The system for heating a cover glass of claim 3, wherein the one or more gaps are formed by one or more of laser ablation, mechanical etching, and masking techniques.

5. The control unit weather conditions, Vehicle operating status, and 10. The system for heating automotive glass of claim 1, wherein each heating zone is activated based on predetermined criteria including one or more of: a sensor input indicative of condensation on the transparent window glass;

6. 10. The system for heating a cover glass of claim 1, wherein the control unit activates one or more of the heating zones of the plurality of heating zones based on input received via a user interface.

7. 7. The system for heating a cover glass of claim 6, wherein the input includes an identification of a heating zone from the plurality of heating zones.

8. 10. The system for heating automotive glass of claim 1, wherein at least one of the heating zones of the plurality of heating zones is positioned in alignment with a field of view of a camera.

9. 2. The system for heating a cover glass of claim 1, wherein the plurality of heating zones includes a first heating zone and a second heating zone, the first heating zone corresponding to a first operating standard, and the second heating zone corresponding to a second operating standard.

10. 10. The system for heating automotive glass of claim 1, wherein the automotive glass comprises a windshield.

11. 10. The system for heating automotive glass of claim 1, wherein the transparent window pane includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, and the coating is formed on the interior surface of the transparent window pane.

12. 2. The system for heating automotive glass of claim 1, wherein the plurality of heating zones includes a first heating zone that encompasses a substantial portion of the transparent window glass and a second heating zone that is smaller in size than the first heating zone.

13. 1. A method for heating automotive glass, comprising: providing an automotive glass element comprising a transparent window pane and a layer formed on a surface of the transparent window pane, the layer being segmented into a plurality of heating zones; electrically connecting one or more bus bars to one or more heating zones of the plurality of heating zones; receiving an input from a control unit to activate one or more heating zones of the plurality of heating zones; providing power to the respective bus bars associated with the one or more heating zones to be activated based on the input from the control unit; activating the one or more heating zones by heating the coating in specific areas corresponding to the activated heating zones; 1. A method for heating an automotive glass, comprising:

14. 14. The method for heating a cover glass of claim 13, wherein the one or more heating zones are independently controlled.

15. 14. The method for heating automobile glass of claim 13, wherein the layer comprises a metallic coating.

16. 14. The method for heating a cover glass of claim 13, wherein at least one of the heating zones of the plurality of heating zones is positioned in alignment with a field of view of a camera.

17. receiving an input from the control unit to activate the one or more heating zones of the plurality of heating zones; detecting an actuation criterion; and causing the control unit to activate the one or more heating zones based on the activation criteria.

18. 20. The method for heating automotive glass of claim 17, wherein the operating criteria includes a sensor input indicative of condensation on the transparent window pane.

19. 14. The method for heating cover glass of claim 13, wherein the coating is segmented into the plurality of heating zones by one or more of laser ablation, mechanical etching, and masking techniques.

20. 1. A method of manufacturing an automotive glass assembly, comprising: Providing a glazing element comprising a transparent glazing and a layer formed on a surface of the transparent glazing; segmenting the layer into a plurality of heating zones by one or more of laser ablation, mechanical etching, and masking techniques; electrically connecting one or more bus bars to one or more heating zones of the plurality of heating zones; configuring a control unit to activate the one or more heating zones of the plurality of heating zones by supplying power to the one or more bus bars associated with the one or more heating zones; A method for manufacturing an automotive glass assembly, comprising:

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