Composite Pane Masking Coating for Less Conspicuous Functional Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite panes with opaque masking regions appear unattractive and distracting, especially in vehicle side windows and architectural glazing, as they are not aesthetically pleasing and can draw attention away from the transparent see-through region.
Innovation Solution
A composite pane design featuring a thermoplastic intermediate layer between two glass panes, with a partially transparent reflective coating in the masking region to create a visually appealing aesthetic while hiding the functional element's side edge and electrical contacts within the masking region, which is formed by a cover print or tinted film, ensuring the functional element is fully embedded and protected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an opaque masking region is provided to hide the side edge of the functional element and electrical contacts, then the functional element is protected and electrical contacts are hidden, but the masking region appears unattractive and distracting to the viewer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a reflective coating to the masking region that changes its optical properties. The coating contains metal oxides that provide partial transparency and reflectivity, making the masking region visually less conspicuous while maintaining its protective function. This transforms the appearance of the masking region from completely opaque and distracting to partially transparent and aesthetically pleasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the opaque masking region with a reflective coating layer containing metal oxides. This composite approach allows the masking region to maintain its opacity for protection while the reflective coating adds aesthetic value by creating a visually appealing, partially transparent appearance that is less distracting to viewers.
2Ease of manufacture
If the side edge of the functional element is located in the see-through region, then the functional element is more visible, but it distracts the viewer and reduces the aesthetic value of the composite pane
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective coating applied to the masking region changes the visual characteristics of the area where the functional element side edge is located. By making the masking region partially transparent with reflective properties, the coating creates a visual transition that reduces the distracting effect of the functional element boundary while maintaining adequate visibility.
3Reliability
If a completely opaque masking region is used, then the functional element side edge and electrical contacts are fully hidden, but the masking region is visually conspicuous and distracting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the masking region from completely opaque to partially transparent by applying a reflective coating containing metal oxides. This color and transparency change makes the masking region less visually conspicuous and less distracting to viewers while still adequately hiding the electrical contacts and functional element side edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of the opaque masking region (visual distraction and unattractiveness) into a beneficial effect by applying a reflective coating. The coating transforms the masking region's appearance to be aesthetically pleasing and less distracting, while the masking region continues to perform its protective function of hiding electrical contacts.
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 design provides an aesthetically pleasing masking region that is less distracting, maintains the functional element's protection and visibility, and enhances the aesthetic value of the composite pane by using a partially transparent reflective coating to make the masking region less conspicuous, suitable for various applications including vehicle and architectural glazing.
Implementation Method 1
partially transparent reflective coating
Implementation Method 2
partially transparent reflective coating
Data Source
AI summary
A composite pane includes an outer pane and an inner pane, which are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer, wherein the composite pane has an opaque masking region and a transparent see-through region, wherein the intermediate layer has a functional element which covers the entire see-through region, wherein at least one region of the side edge of the functional element does not extend as far as the side edge of the composite pane but is arranged within the masking region, and wherein the surface of the outer pane facing away from the intermediate layer has a pattern of coated regions in the masking region which are provided with a partially transparent reflective coating.