Composite Pane Lamination With Integrated Capacitive Touch Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite panes with integrated optoelectronic functional elements face challenges in intuitive actuation and require adaptations to vehicle components, complicating their integration and production.
Innovation Solution
A composite pane design with an optoelectronic functional element embedded in a thermoplastic intermediate layer, featuring a capacitive contact switching element integrated directly on the pane, allowing intuitive actuation and simplified production through lamination with pre-integrated contact switching patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If actuation means are placed on the dashboard or at the upper edge of the windshield, then manual switching can be performed, but intuitive operation becomes more difficult and requires adaptations between different windshield types and vehicle configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuation means with the windshield structure itself by integrating a capacitive touch sensor directly into the windshield glass or coating layer. This merging eliminates the need for separate dashboard controls or upper edge actuators, providing intuitive operation directly at the functional element while avoiding adaptations to different vehicle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitive touch sensor as an intermediary between the user and the optoelectronic functional element. This sensor layer is integrated into the windshield structure and detects touch inputs without requiring mechanical connections or separate control units, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optoelectronic functional elements are integrated into composite panes, then electrically controllable optical properties are achieved, but production complexity increases and requires precise integration between different components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the optoelectronic functional element and capacitive touch sensor to the windshield glass before the final lamination process. This preliminary integration allows the functional elements to be precisely positioned and connected to electrical contacts embedded in the intermediate layer, simplifying the overall production process by avoiding post-lamination modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a universal integration approach where the intermediate layer serves multiple functions: it bonds the glass panes together, embeds electrical contacts for the optoelectronic elements, and provides pathways for capacitive touch sensor connections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If capacitive contact switching elements are integrated directly on the pane, then intuitive actuation is facilitated and production complexity is reduced, but the design requires precise integration within the layer stack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the capacitive touch sensor is integrated within the existing windshield layer stack. The sensor layers are positioned between the glass panes and the intermediate layer, utilizing the same bonding and alignment processes already required for the optoelectronic functional elements, thereby achieving precise integration without additional complexity.
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
Facilitates intuitive actuation of functional elements and reduces production complexity by integrating capacitive contact switching elements within the pane, minimizing material incompatibilities and design adaptations.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive contact switching element (11) integrated directly on the composite pane (1-3)
Implementation Method 2
an outer pane (1) and an inner pane (2) that are joined to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer (3)
Implementation Method 3
PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) functional elements... When no voltage is applied, the liquid crystals are aligned in a disorderly manner, resulting in strong scattering of the light passing through the active layer. When voltage is applied to the flat electrodes, the liquid crystals align themselves in a common direction and the transmittance of light through the active layer is increased.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite pane having electrically controllable optical properties, includes an outer pane and an inner pane, which are joined to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer, wherein an optoelectronic functional element having electrically controllable optical properties is embedded in the intermediate layer, which functional element comprises an active layer, with which transparent flat control electrodes are associated on both surfaces, between a first carrier film and a second carrier film, and wherein a capacitive contact switching element is arranged between the active layer and the thermoplastic intermediate layer.