Glass Laminate Edge Strength via Modulus-Graded Interlayer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glass laminates for automotive applications are limited by their thickness, weight, and edge strength, leading to poor performance under impact and deformation, particularly in thinner glass structures.
Innovation Solution
The use of chemically-strengthened glass panes with a polymer interlayer featuring a high modulus peripheral region to enhance edge strength and rigidity, combined with thermosetting materials to maintain stability at higher temperatures, allowing for thinner and lighter glass laminate structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional glass laminates use thicker glass sheets to improve strength, then edge strength and structural integrity improve, but weight increases and fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a peripheral region in the interlayer with different properties (higher modulus of elasticity) specifically at the edges where strength is needed, while the central region maintains lower modulus for weight reduction. This allows the structure to have enhanced edge strength without requiring uniformly thick glass throughout the entire panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining glass sheets with a multi-region interlayer structure consisting of a first material in the peripheral region and a second material in the central region. This composite structure enables the laminate to achieve both high edge strength and reduced weight by strategically placing materials with different mechanical properties in different zones.
2Strength
If thermal tempering is used to enhance glass strength, then compressive stress layer is created, but effectiveness decreases for thin glass less than 2 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interlayer with differentiated modulus regions as an intermediary between the glass sheets. This interlayer acts as a mediator that provides the necessary structural support and stress distribution at the edges, enabling thin glass sheets to achieve adequate strength without relying on thermal tempering, which is ineffective for such thin materials.
3Strength
If conventional polymer interlayers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but edge strength and rigidity are insufficient leading to fracture during flexure
Solution Approach 1:
The interlayer is designed with local quality by having a peripheral region with higher modulus of elasticity specifically at the edges where structural support is critical, while the central region has lower modulus. This localized differentiation provides enhanced edge strength without requiring the entire interlayer structure to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlayer is segmented into distinct regions: a peripheral region with first material properties and a central region with second material properties. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function - the peripheral region for edge strength and the central region for weight reduction and flexibility.
4Strength
If high modulus materials are used in the peripheral region, then edge strength and rigidity improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the modulus of elasticity parameter of the interlayer material based on location. The peripheral region uses materials or structures with higher modulus parameters to achieve edge strength, while the central region uses materials with lower modulus parameters. This parameter differentiation can be achieved through various manufacturing techniques including co-extrusion, lamination, or selective reinforcement.
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 provides improved edge strength, reduced deformation, and increased resistance to impact and temperature-induced deformation, enabling the use of thinner glass while maintaining structural integrity and meeting regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one adhesive ring comprising a plastic material which absorbs at least a portion of the stresses to which the pane is subjected during operation
Implementation Method 2
the interlayer includes a first region having a first modulus of elasticity and a second region having a second modulus of elasticity
Implementation Method 3
chemically-strengthened glass panes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A laminate structure having a first glass layer, a second glass layer, and at least one polymer interlayer intermediate the first and second glass layers. The polymer interlayer can include a first region having a first modulus of elasticity and a second region having a second modulus of elasticity. The second modulus of elasticity can be greater than the first modulus of elasticity. In some embodiments, the first region can be a central region of the polymer interlayer and the second region can be a peripheral region of the polymer interlayer encompassing the first region.