Automobile glazing

Abstract

An automobile glazing (100) is disclosed. The glazing (100) comprises a glass substrate (102), a conductive layer (104) having a predefined pattern formed on a surface of the glazing (100), a bus bar (108) electrically connected to the conductive layer (104), and a filter circuit (106) printed on the glazing (100). The conductive layer (104) is configured to heat the glazing (100) and receive radiofrequency (RF) waves. The filter circuit (106) comprises a capacitor (202) and an inductor (204) electrically connected to the capacitor (202), wherein either the capacitor (202) or the inductor (204) has a multilayered configuration.

Description

AUTOMOBILE GLAZINGTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an automobile glazing, it particularly relates to an automobile glazing with printed electrical components.BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] In recent years, there has been an unprecedented increase in integration of electronic components into automobile due to intersection between digital technologies and vehicles. This has resulted in a growing demand for integrating electrical components, within glass panels. One of the traditional methods of incorporating electrical components into glass is attaching discrete electrical components on the external surface of the glass panels. Such technique typically compromises the transparency and aesthetics of the final product.

[0004] As an example, modern vehicles are equipped with radiofrequency-based telecommunication technologies such as FM radio. These technologies utilize components such as antenna, filter circuit so on and so forth. In the existing systems, the antenna is integrated with the glazing and the filter circuit is deployed as discrete electrical components that is fixed to the glazing on an external surface of the glazing. This way of engaging electrical components to the glazing is complex and affects the aesthetics of the glass panel.

[0005] The emergence of printed electronics has provided a promising solution to these challenges. Printed electronics allow for the direct printing of conductive materials onto various substrates, including glass, enabling the seamless integration of electrical components without compromising transparency or structural integrity. However, existing techniques for printing electrical components includes single layer printing which affects the performance of the electrical components and results in drop in efficiency.

[0006] Thus, there exists a need for a novel approach to glazing with printed electrical components that overcomes the limitations of existing techniques and fulfills the growing demand for glazing integrated with electrical components.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] In an embodiment an automobile glazing is disclosed. The glazing comprises a glass substrate, a conductive layer having a predefined pattern formed on a surface of the glazing, a bus bar electrically connected to the conductive layer, and a filter circuit printed on the glazing. The conductive layer is configured to heat the glazing and receive radiofrequency (RF) waves. The filter circuit comprises a capacitor and an inductor electrically connected to the capacitor, wherein either the capacitor or the inductor has a multilayered configuration.

[0008] In an embodiment, method of manufacturing a glazing with a filter circuit is disclosed. Firstly, a surface of the glazing is coated with a conductive material to form a conductive layer that is configured to heat the glazing and transmit radiofrequency (RF) waves. Further, the filter circuit is printed on the surface of the glazing, wherein the filter circuit comprises a capacitor and an inductor electrically connected with each other.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The following briefly describes the accompanying drawings, illustrating the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention, for assisting the understanding of a person skilled in the art to comprehend the invention. It would be apparent that the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art can derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a automobile glazing, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an example filter circuit, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of a capacitor with a multilayered configuration, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of a capacitor with a multilayered configuration, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of an inductor with a multilayered configuration, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of an inductor with a multilayered configuration, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0016] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrationsin accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0018] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or”, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B”, “B but not A”, and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an automobile glazing, in accordance with an embodiment. The glazing comprises a glass substrate, a conductive layer formed on a surface of the glass substrate, a bus bar electrically connected to the conductive layer, and a filter circuit printed on the glazing.

[0020] The conductive layer may be formed by depositing conductive material on the surface of the glazing using techniques such as printing, spraying, sputtering or any such techniques. The conductive layer may be defined in a predefined pattern based on the requirement. As an example, the conductive layer may be horizontal lines running across the glass surface or may be grid-like structure spread across the glass surface.

[0021] In an embodiment, the conductive layer may be made using a conductive material such as aluminium, copper, silver, carbon nanotubes or the like.

[0022] The filter circuit is that is printed on the glazing is used to filter alternating signals and direct current (DC) signals based on the requirement. FIG. 2 illustrates an example filter circuit, in accordance with an embodiment. The filter circuit comprises a capacitor and an inductor electrically connected with each other. The capacitor isconfigured to block the DC signals that is supplied from a power source to the conductive layer. Further, the inductor is configured to block the alternating signal such as RF waves. Thus, the filter circuit enables in preventing the crossing of DC signals and alternating signals in the conductive layer.

[0023] In an embodiment, either the capacitor or the inductor has a multilayered configuration. The multilayered configuration herein refers to a 3 -dimensional structure of the component instead of a 2-dimensional printed layer. The 3 -dimensional structure of the components such as capacitor and inductor aids in enhancing the electrical properties of the components.

[0024] In one embodiment, the filter circuit may comprise multiple capacitors and multiple inductors that are electrically connected either serially or parallelly or a combination thereof to obtain the desired output.

[0025] The filter circuit is electrically connected with the conductive layer via the bus bar. The bus bar may be an electrical conductor resembling a metallic strip which acts as an electrical junction between the filter circuit and the conductive layer.

[0026] FIGs. 3 and 4 illustrate a capacitor that is printed on the glazing. FIG. 3 is a top view of a capacitor with a multilayered configuration and FIG. 4 is a side view of a capacitor with a multilayered configuration. Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, the capacitor comprises a first conductive element, a dielectric layer, and a second conductive element. The first conductive element is disposed on a surface of the glazing and the dielectric layer may be disposed over the first conductive layer. Further, a second conductive layer is disposed over the dielectric layer. As a result, a capacitive circuit comprising two conductors with a dielectric layer between the two conductor is formed.

[0027] The resultant capacitor has a 3-dimnensional multilayered configuration. The number of capacitors that are formed on the glazing may be dependent on the desired outcome.

[0028] FIGs. 5 and 6 illustrate an inductor that is printed on the glazing. FIG. 5 is a top view of a capacitor with a multilayered configuration and FIG. 6 is a side view of a capacitor with a multilayered configuration. Referring to FIGs. 5 and 6, the inductor comprises multiple layers of conductive material and dielectric material that are deposited alternatively. This forms a 3 -dimensional structure of the inductor, wherein the dielectric material is disposed between two layers of conductive material.

[0029] When viewed from the side (refer Fig. 6), it appears that layers of conductive material are formed on top side and bottom side and the layers are connected with each other to form a continuous loop of coil. This results in an inductor having a structural configuration that is similar to conventional coil like structure.

[0030] In an embodiment, the multiple layers of conductive material of the inductor are electrically connected with each other to form a spiral arrangement.

[0031] In an embodiment, the capacitor and the inductor are made using a metal selected from the group containing gold, silver, copper, aluminium, conductive oxides, graphene, carbon, conductive ceramics, conductive polymer, nanomaterials of metals, glass frits, ceramic enamel or a combination thereof.

[0032] In an embodiment, the filter circuit may be printed on a ceramic region of the glazing.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of method of manufacturing a glazing with a filter circuit, in accordance with an embodiment. At step 702, a surface of the glazing is coated with a conductive material to form a conductive layer. The conductive layer is configured to heat the glazing when electrical power is supplied and further is configured to transmit radiofrequency (RF) waves.

[0034] Upon coating the glazing with the conductive layer, the filter circuit is printed on the surface of the glazing. Printing of the filer circuit includes printing the capacitor and printing the inductor. To print the capacitor, at step 704, a first conductive element is deposited on a surface of the glazing. At step 706, dielectric layer is deposited overthe first conductive element. At step 708, a second conductive element is deposited over the dielectric layer.

[0035] To print the inductor, at step 710, multiple layers of conductive material and dielectric material are alternatively deposited to form a three-dimensional structure.

[0036] At step 712, the capacitor and the inductor are electrically connected with each other to form the filter circuit.ADVANTAGES

[0037] The disclosed system eliminates the conventional means of providing the filter circuit, wherein discrete electrical components are attached to the glazing. The printing of electrical components that has multilayered configuration ensures that the glazing is compact without compromising on the electrical performance of the filter circuit.

[0038] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0039] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.List of reference numerals100 - Glazing102 - Glass substrate104 - Conductive layer 106 - Filter circuit108 - Bus bar202 - Capacitor204 - Inductor402 - First conductive element 404 - Dielectric layer406 - Second conductive element602 - Layers of conductive material604 - Dielectric material

Claims

CLAIMS1. An automobile glazing (100), wherein the glazing (100) comprises: a glass substrate (102); a conductive layer (104) having a predefined pattern formed on a surface of the glazing (100), wherein the conductive layer (104) is configured to heat the glazing (100) and receive radiofrequency (RF) waves; a bus bar (108) electrically connected to the conductive layer (104); and a filter circuit (106) printed on the glazing (100), wherein the filter circuit (106) comprises: a capacitor (202); and an inductor (204) electrically connected to the capacitor (202), wherein either the capacitor (202) or the inductor (204) has a multilayered configuration.

2. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the capacitor (202) is configured to block the direct current (DC) that is supplied from a power source to the conductive layer (104); and the inductor (204) is configured to block the alternating signal such as RF waves, thereby preventing the crossing of DC signals and alternating signals in the conductive layer (104).

3. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capacitor (202) comprises: a first conductive element (402) disposed on a surface of the glazing (100); a dielectric layer (404) disposed over the first conductive element (402); and a second conductive element (406) disposed over the dielectric layer (404) to form a capacitive circuit.

4. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein:the inductor (204) is formed by depositing multiple layers of conductive material (602) and dielectric material (604) alternatively to form a three-dimensional structure, wherein the dielectric material (604) is disposed between the layers of conductive material (602).

5. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capacitor (202) and the inductor (204) are disposed one over the other.

6. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capacitor (202) and the inductor (204) are made using a material selected from the group containing gold, silver, copper, aluminium, conductive oxides, graphene, carbon, conductive ceramics, conductive polymer, nanomaterials of metals, glass frits, ceramic enamel or a combination thereof.

7. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the multiple layers of conductive material (602) of the inductor (204) are electrically connected with each other to form a spiral or helical arrangement.

8. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter circuit (106) is printed on a ceramic region of the glazing (100).

9. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein multiple capacitors (202) and inductors (204) may be electrically connected either serially or parallelly or a combination thereof to obtain the desired output.

10. A method of manufacturing a glazing (100) with a filter circuit (106), wherein the method comprises: coating a surface of the glazing (100) with a conductive material (602) to form a conductive layer (104) that is configured to heat the glazing (100) and transmit radiofrequency (RF) waves; andprinting the filter circuit (106) on the surface of the glazing (100), wherein the filter circuit (106) comprises a capacitor (202) and an inductor (204) electrically connected with each other.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein printing the filter circuit (106) comprises: printing the capacitor (202) on the glazing (100) surface by: depositing a first conductive element (402) on a surface of the glazing (100); depositing dielectric layer (404) over the first conductive element (402); and depositing a second conductive element (406) over the dielectric layer (404); and printing the inductor (204) on the glazing (100) surface by: depositing multiple layers of conductive material (602) and dielectric material (604) alternatively to form a three-dimensional structure, wherein the dielectric material (604) is disposed between the layers of conductive material (602); and forming electrical connection between the capacitor (202), the inductor (204), and the conductive layer (104).

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