Fluorescence Display Lamination Using Segmented PVB Films

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head-up displays (HUDs) face challenges such as high manufacturing costs due to complex processing of wedge-shaped PVB films, limited field of vision, distortion by raindrops, and uncontrolled excitation from external sunlight, which affects the visibility and intensity of fluorescence displays.

Innovation Solution

A fluorescence display is produced by laminating a low-plasticizer polyvinyl acetal film with fluorophores and a plasticizer-containing polyvinyl acetal film between glass panes, where the plasticizer-containing film has high light transmission and low UV transmission, protecting the fluorophores from fading and uncontrolled excitation, and the low-plasticizer film has a high tensile strength for easy handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a plasticizer-containing PVB film is used to protect fluorophores from uncontrolled excitation by sunlight, then UV protection is improved, but the film becomes difficult to process and expensive to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV protectionVSAvoidprocessing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The interlayer film is divided into two separate films: a first PVB film with low plasticizer content (0-10 wt%) that provides ease of processing, and a second PVB film with high plasticizer content (20-40 wt%) that provides UV protection. This segmentation allows each film to optimize its properties independently, resolving the contradiction between UV protection and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure of two different PVB films with distinct plasticizer contents. The first film (low plasticizer) and second film (high plasticizer) are combined in a laminate, creating a composite material system that simultaneously achieves both ease of processing and UV protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a high plasticizer content PVB film is used to achieve flexibility and adhesion, then ease of operation is improved, but UV transmission increases allowing uncontrolled excitation of fluorophores

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and adhesionVSAvoidUV transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interlayer is segmented into two functional films: the second PVB film (high plasticizer: 20-40 wt%) provides flexibility and adhesion for ease of operation, while the first PVB film (low plasticizer: 0-10 wt%) provides UV blocking to prevent uncontrolled fluorophore excitation. This segmentation allows each film to fulfill its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a low plasticizer content PVB film is used to simplify processing and reduce manufacturing costs, then ease of manufacture is improved, but UV protection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidUV blocking
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interlayer film is segmented into a first PVB film with low plasticizer content (0-10 wt%) that provides processing simplicity and cost efficiency, and a second PVB film with high plasticizer content (20-40 wt%) that compensates for UV blocking capability. This segmentation allows the low-plasticizer film to handle manufacturing while the high-plasticizer film ensures UV protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the plasticizer content is optimized to prevent fluorophore fading, then durability is improved, but the film becomes more expensive and difficult to process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluorophore protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The interlayer is segmented into two films with different plasticizer contents: the second PVB film (high plasticizer: 20-40 wt%) protects fluorophores from fading by providing UV filtration, while the first PVB film (low plasticizer: 0-10 wt%) maintains manufacturing simplicity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between durability and manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enhances the protection of fluorophores, prevents uncontrolled excitation, maintains high fluorescence intensity, and simplifies the manufacturing process, offering improved visibility and reduced production costs while maintaining the display's functionality across various applications.

Implementation Method 1

the plasticizer-containing film has high light transmission and low UV transmission, protecting the fluorophores from fading and uncontrolled excitation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

A fluorescence display is produced by laminating a low-plasticizer polyvinyl acetal film with fluorophores

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

These substances are stimulated with UV radiation that is invisible to the human eye, which means that real images that are not only visible to the driver can be generated at the level of the windshield

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV excitation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2942192B1Fluorescence display
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 KURARAY EURO GMBH
  • EP2942192B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2942192B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2942192B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluorescent display produced by laminating at least one film A containing a polyvinyl acetal PA and optionally at least one plasticizer WA and at least one film B containing a polyvinyl acetal PB and at least one plasticizer WB between two glass sheets, wherein, prior to lamination, film A has less than 22 wt.% plasticizer WA and 0.001 to 5 wt.% fluorophores and film B has at least 22 wt.% plasticizer WB and 0.005 to 5 wt.% UV absorber.