Capacitive Switching Region in Window Pane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window panes with capacitive switching regions suffer from fouling issues due to physical contact, which can impair their functionality, especially in vehicle applications where thermal management is crucial and contactless detection is needed.
Innovation Solution
A window pane design featuring capacitive switching regions electrically isolated from a low-E coating by coating-free dividing lines, allowing for contactless detection of objects and control of functions like transparency or lighting without physical contact, using a sensor electronics system that generates switching signals based on object proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a capacitive switching region is implemented by a surface electrode or coupled electrodes on the window pane, then the switching function can be controlled, but the window pane surface is fouled by fingerprints and particles when touched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based capacitive switching with a contactless detection system. The detection region uses a sensor electronics system to detect objects moved by a person in an activation region through capacitive coupling, eliminating the need for physical contact with the window pane surface while maintaining switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate detection region and sensor electronics system between the user and the switching region. This intermediary system detects object movement and capacitance changes without requiring direct contact with the window pane, thus preventing fouling while enabling control.
2Temperature
If a low-E coating is applied to the window pane to reflect thermal radiation, then thermal management is improved, but the capacitive switching region cannot be electrically isolated from the coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the low-E coating into multiple electrically isolated regions using coating-free dividing lines. This allows the coating to maintain its thermal reflection properties while creating electrically distinct zones for the capacitive switching region and surrounding region, enabling proper electrical isolation without compromising thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different electrical properties to different regions of the coating by creating coating-free dividing lines that electrically isolate the capacitive switching region from the surrounding low-E coating. This local differentiation allows the coating to provide thermal management while the switching region maintains proper electrical characteristics.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If contactless detection is implemented using sensor electronics system, then the window pane surface is not fouled, but the detection precision and reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor electronics system continuously monitors capacitance changes in the detection region and compares them against threshold values. This feedback loop ensures reliable detection of object movement while maintaining contactless operation, as the system can distinguish between genuine user interactions and environmental capacitance variations.
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
This design prevents fouling of the window pane while enabling effective thermal management and control of functions like solar protection and lighting, enhancing user comfort without the need for mechanical sunshades or separate switch components.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive switching region is in each case electrically separated from the coating by at least one coating-free dividing line, and can be electrically connected to a sensor electronics system and has a detection region for contactlessly detecting an object moved by a person in an activation region
Implementation Method 2
Such a low-E-coating reflects a significant part of the solar radiation, in particular in the infrared range, resulting, in the summer, in reduced heating of the vehicle interior
Data Source
AI summary
A window pane has a plurality of capacitive switching regions, for separating an interior from an external environment, wherein the window pane includes a pane having an inner surface and a coating that is arranged at least partially on the inner surface of the pane and a capacitive switching region is in each case electrically separated from the coating by at least one coating-free dividing line and can be electrically connected to a sensor electronics system and has a detection region for contactlessly detecting an object moved by a person in an activation region and the direction of movement thereof.