Laminated Glass Sensor Integration via Wireless Antennas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminated glass panes face challenges with sensor integration due to exposure of wiring and connections to temperature and humidity variations, visual unattractiveness, and limitations in sensor placement, which can lead to stability issues and impaired transmission.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glass pane with a sensor arrangement where the receiving and transmitting antennas are combined, and sensors are applied to the combination film or carrier within the pane, allowing for reduced cabling and flexible sensor placement, with a power supply and data receiving device located outside the glass layers for wireless energy and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are mounted on the inside of the windshield with wiring, then sensor functionality is achieved, but wiring and connections are exposed to temperature and humidity variations causing reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated within the laminated glass structure itself, nested between the glass layers and interlayer. This nesting protects the sensor from external temperature and humidity variations while maintaining its sensing functionality, resolving the reliability issue caused by environmental exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlayer material serves as an intermediary protective barrier between the sensor and the harsh external environment. By positioning the sensor within the interlayer or on its surface, the interlayer mediates protection against temperature and humidity while allowing the sensor to function.
2Ease of operation
If wiring is routed through holes in the glass for sensor connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the glass pane strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring and electrical connections are extracted from the glass structure entirely. Instead of routing wires through holes in the glass, the sensor communicates wirelessly via antenna elements integrated into the laminated glass, eliminating the need for penetrations that would weaken the glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical wiring system is replaced with an electromagnetic wireless communication system. Antenna elements integrated into the glass enable data transmission without physical connections, eliminating holes and maintaining glass strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If sensors are positioned near the edge of the glass pane for wiring connections, then connectivity is simplified, but sensor placement flexibility is limited and transmission requirements are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The laminated glass structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural strength, houses the sensor, and acts as the antenna radiation element. This multi-functionality allows sensors to be placed anywhere on the glass surface without requiring edge proximity for wiring connections, greatly enhancing placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless electromagnetic communication replaces mechanical wiring, allowing sensors to be positioned anywhere on the glass surface. The antenna elements distributed in the glass enable communication without physical connection constraints, providing full placement flexibility while meeting transmission requirements.
4Reliability
If conventional sensor housings are used, then sensor protection is achieved, but visual appearance is compromised and cleaning is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing function is merged with the laminated glass structure itself. The glass layers and interlayer provide protection for the integrated sensor, eliminating the need for separate external housings. This maintains a clean, transparent appearance and allows unobstructed cleaning of the glass surface.
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 solution eliminates the need for external sensor housings, reduces cabling, and allows for ergonomic sensor placement, enhancing the stability and functionality of the laminated glass pane while maintaining transparency and preventing moisture ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply unit (3), spatially separated from the sensor arrangement (S), for providing electromagnetic power to the receiving antenna (ANT 1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a laminated glass pane (1) having a sensor assembly (S), wherein the laminated glass pane has a first glass layer (GS1) and a second glass layer (GS2) connected via a combination film (F), wherein the sensor assembly (S) has a receiver antenna (ANT1) for obtaining electrical power for supplying the sensor assembly (S), a transmitter antenna (ANT2) for providing information relating to the sensor assembly to a receiver unit located outside the laminated glass pane, wherein the sensor assembly (S) is located at least partially between the first glass layer (GS1) and the second glass layer (GS2).