Bulletproof Glass Pane UV Filtering Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bulletproof glass panes degrade over time due to natural sunlight, leading to increased brittleness and cloudiness of plastic layers, which affects transparency and structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A glass pane construction featuring a laminated structure with a UV filtering layer, specifically a cholesteric layer reflecting UV radiation between 300-400 nm, and an electrochromic layer for controlling light transparency, preventing UV radiation from reaching the plastic layers and maintaining transparency over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If transparent layers made of synthetic material are used in the bulletproof pane, then the lamination provides structural integrity and bulletproof characteristics, but the synthetic layers become turbid and brittle over time due to UV radiation degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtransparency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A UV-reflecting layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the outer glass pane and the synthetic plastic layers. This layer reflects UV radiation before it can reach the synthetic layers, preventing their degradation while allowing visible light to pass through, thus maintaining both structural integrity and transparency over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The UV-reflecting layer is positioned to perform preliminary action by blocking UV radiation in advance before it can contact and degrade the synthetic plastic layers. This preventive measure stops the degradation process before it starts, preserving the synthetic layers' properties throughout the product's lifetime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If UV radiation is blocked to protect the synthetic layers, then transparency is maintained, but the complexity of the layered structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransparencyVSAvoidlayered structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UV-reflecting layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects UV radiation to protect synthetic layers, maintains visible light transparency, and can be integrated into the existing laminated structure. This multi-functionality justifies the added layer by providing multiple benefits from a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the bulletproof pane is exposed to natural sunlight over time, then it provides continuous protection, but the synthetic layers degrade becoming more brittle and turbid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection durationVSAvoidUV radiation damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The UV-reflecting layer converts the harmful UV radiation into a beneficial reflected wave that does not penetrate to the synthetic layers. By reflecting rather than absorbing the UV radiation, the layer prevents energy degradation while maintaining optical clarity, effectively using the UV energy in a harmless way.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 prevents the negative aging effects of UV radiation on the plastic layers, maintaining transparency and structural integrity of the bulletproof glass panes even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Implementation Method 1

The UV filtering layer means comprises at least one cholesteric layer that reflects UV radiation for avoiding UV radiation impinging onto the electrochromic layer means, wherein the cholesteric layer has a reflection maximum at an ultraviolet wavelength in a range between 300 and 400 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCholesteric liquid crystal reflection: Cholesteric Liquid Crystal

Implementation Method 2

electrically controllable or switchable electrochromic layer means for electrical controlling or switching of the light transparency of the glass pane construction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentEP2794264B1Glass pane construction
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 ISOCLIMA
  • EP2794264B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2794264B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2794264B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a glass pane construction, particularly bullet proof glass pane (1), to be used in a motor vehicle, having several transparent panes (2, 4, 6) and layers made of glass, ceramic or synthetic material, which are connected in a layered manner connected to each other in a laminate, electrical controllable or switchable electrochromic layer means (5) for electrical controlling or switching of the light transparency of the glass pane construction or of the bullet proof pane (1), wherein a laminar transparent UV filtering layer means (3) for filtering of striking ultraviolet (UV) radiation is provided so that none or only a part of the UV radiation passes to the electrochromic layer means (5).