Glass Laminate with UV-Absorbing Layer for Cloudiness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass laminates with hydrous alkaline silicate foamable interlayers suffer from ultraviolet-induced cloudiness and reduced transparency due to limited ultraviolet blocking properties of metal oxide thin films, which impair their long-term performance in UV-exposed environments.
Innovation Solution
A glass laminate design featuring a foamable interlayer with hydrous alkaline silicate and an ultraviolet-absorbing layer, where the ultraviolet-absorbing layer is positioned between the outermost glass sheets and the foamable interlayer, containing fine particles dispersed in a silica matrix with a light transmittance of less than 50% at 380 nm to effectively absorb UV rays and reduce cloudiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a thick metal oxide thin film is used to block ultraviolet rays, then ultraviolet blocking properties are improved, but visible transmittance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ultraviolet protection function into two separate layers: a metal oxide thin film layer for UV blocking and a new ultraviolet-absorbing layer with fine particles for enhanced UV absorption. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, enabling sufficient UV protection while maintaining high visible transmittance that would be lost in a single thick metal oxide film.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the metal oxide thin film with a new ultraviolet-absorbing layer containing fine particles dispersed in a transparent matrix. This composite material approach leverages the complementary strengths of both components: the metal oxide provides baseline UV blocking while the fine particle layer adds enhanced UV absorption with minimal impact on visible light transmission.
2Device complexity
If no ultraviolet-absorbing layer is added, then the glass laminate structure remains simple, but ultraviolet-induced cloudiness occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protection by adding an ultraviolet-absorbing layer before the foamable interlayer, preventing UV-induced cloudiness before it occurs. This proactive measure absorbs harmful UV radiation in advance, protecting the foamable interlayer and maintaining the glass laminate's transparency throughout its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultraviolet-absorbing layer acts as an intermediary between the external UV environment and the internal foamable interlayer. It mediates the UV radiation by absorbing it in the fine particle layer, preventing the UV energy from reaching and degrading the foamable interlayer, thus maintaining long-term transparency.
3Temperature
If a foamable interlayer with hydrous alkaline silicate is used, then heat shielding properties are improved, but ultraviolet-induced cloudiness reduces transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional layers to address heat shielding and UV protection separately: the foamable interlayer with hydrous alkaline silicate provides heat shielding through foam expansion, while a dedicated ultraviolet-absorbing layer with fine particles provides UV protection. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without interfering with each other's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-layer composite structure combining the foamable hydrous alkaline silicate interlayer with an ultraviolet-absorbing layer containing fine particles. This composite design enables the glass laminate to simultaneously achieve excellent heat shielding properties from the foamable layer and sustained transparency from the UV-absorbing layer.
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 significantly reduces ultraviolet-induced cloudiness and maintains high visible light transmittance, ensuring the glass laminate retains clarity and functionality over time, even in UV-rich environments.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet-absorbing component in the form of fine particles is dispersed in the ultraviolet-absorbing layer, and the ultraviolet-absorbing layer has a light transmittance of less than 50% at a wavelength of 380 nm
Implementation Method 2
the hydrous alkaline silicate included in the foamable interlayer is foamed and the foamable interlayer starts to show improved heat shielding properties
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a glass laminate suitable for sufficiently reducing ultraviolet-induced cloudiness. A glass laminate 10 according to the present invention includes: a plurality of glass sheets 1; a foamable interlayer 2 including a hydrous alkaline silicate and disposed between two glass sheets selected from the plurality of glass sheets 1; and an ultraviolet-absorbing layer 3. The ultraviolet-absorbing layer 3 has a light transmittance of less than 50% at a wavelength of 380 nm.