Automotive Glazing Assembly With Wedge Patch for Camera Image Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive windshields cause optical distortions such as double imaging and ghosting, which impair the functionality of vehicle sensors by reflecting and refracting light, compromising the accuracy of advanced driver-assistance systems.
Innovation Solution
An automotive glazing assembly incorporating a wedge-shaped polymer layer with non-uniform thickness and a flat glass element is integrated into the windshield to minimize total internal reflection and correct optical distortions, using materials like Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) for improved clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional curved and thick windshield glass is used, then structural strength and aerodynamics are improved, but optical distortion and total internal reflection increase, degrading sensor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is segmented into multiple glass layers with a polymer interlayer, and a specific portion is removed to create a sensor-friendly zone. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: the main structure provides strength while the removed portion eliminates optical distortions for sensor clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific zone in the windshield where the curvature and thickness are modified to be optically neutral for sensors. This localized modification ensures that only the necessary area has altered optical properties, while the rest of the windshield maintains its structural curvature and strength.
2Measurement precision
If special coatings or treatments are applied to reduce reflection and refraction, then optical clarity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying complex coatings to modify optical properties, the patent takes out or removes a specific portion of the windshield glass and polymer interlayer. This extraction eliminates the source of optical distortions (curvature and thickness variations) in the sensor zone, achieving optical clarity through simplification rather than complex treatment.
3Measurement precision
If flat glass panels are used in front of cameras, then distortion is minimized, but compatibility with vehicle design and aerodynamics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is divided into functional zones: the majority maintains the curved, aerodynamic shape for vehicle design compatibility, while a specific segment is removed to create an optically neutral area for sensor accuracy. This segmentation allows both requirements to coexist in different regions of the same windshield.
Solution Approach 2:
Local quality is applied by modifying only the specific area where the sensor is positioned, leaving the rest of the windshield with its original curved design. This localized change ensures that the sensor receives undistorted light while the overall vehicle aerodynamics and design are preserved.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces optical distortions, enhancing the clarity of images captured by vehicle sensors and ensuring accurate distance and speed measurements, thereby improving the performance of ADAS features.
Implementation Method 1
This effect is caused by multiple reflections within the windshield's glass layers, leading to total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
Another issue arises from the curvature and thickness of conventional windshields, which can cause distortion and refraction of light as it passes through the glass
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive glazing assembly designed to enhance the functionality of vehicular sensor devices, particularly cameras. The assembly includes an outer glass layer with a uniform thickness, an inner glass layer also with a uniform thickness, and a polymer layer situated between the two glass layers, bonding them together. A unique feature of this assembly is a localized area where the inner glass and polymer layers are removed and replaced with a wedge patch. This patch consists of a wedge-shaped polymer layer with a non-uniform thickness that increases in one direction, and a flat glass element attached to it. The wedge patch is specifically designed to reduce total internal reflection and double imaging, thereby improving the optical clarity for cameras positioned behind the windshield. This innovation addresses the need for clear sensor visibility without compromising the structural integrity and design of the automotive glazing.