Illuminable Glazing Cover Layer for Edge Light Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glazing arrangements in vehicles suffer from unwanted light scattering at the edge of the pane, making the effect visible to observers.

Innovation Solution

A glazing arrangement with a first pane, a light source, and a light extraction means, featuring an absorption medium in the edge region to absorb scattered light, and optionally opaque cover layers on both surfaces to prevent light from being perceived at the edge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light is coupled into the glass pane via side surface close to edge, then light coupling efficiency is improved and homogeneous illumination is achieved, but scattered light becomes visible at the edge region

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneous illuminationVSAvoidscattered light at edge
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful scattered light is extracted and removed from the system by applying an absorption medium specifically in the edge region, separating the useful illumination function from the harmful scattering effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The absorption medium is applied locally only in the edge region of the glass pane, creating different optical properties in different areas: the central region maintains high transparency for homogeneous illumination while the edge region has light-absorbing properties to eliminate scattered light

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If covering print is applied in edge region to absorb scattered light, then scattered light is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattered lightVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorption medium is merged with the intermediate layer of the laminated glass structure, combining multiple functions (light absorption, bonding, and structural integrity) into a single integrated component rather than adding a separate layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Effectively prevents scattered light at the edge of the pane, maintaining a homogeneous illumination effect while enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

light from a light source is coupled into a flat light guide in the form of a pane of the glazing using total internal reflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an absorption medium for absorbing light coupled into the first pane, which absorption medium is arranged in the edge region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4469273B1Illuminable glazing
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE
  • EP4469273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4469273B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4469273B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a glazing arrangement (10) comprising a light source (2) for generating light (3) that can be coupled into a first pane (1), a border region (7) extending from a pane edge (12) of the first pane (1) over at least 1 mm to max. 500mm on one of the surfaces (III, IV) of the first pane (1), and an absorption means (8) for the absorption of light (3) coupled into the first pane (1), which is arranged in the border region (7), wherein the absorption means (8) is designed as a first cover layer (9) which is arranged on the first surface (IV) and/or on the second surface (III) of the first pane (1), wherein the first pane (1) has at least one recess (13) for receiving the light source (2), and wherein the first cover layer (9) extends from the pane edge (12) to the recess (13).