Laminated Glazing Opaque Zone for Optical Sensor Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional enamel-based glazings for motor vehicles and architectural applications face challenges in light transmission reduction, adherence during high-temperature processing, and optical distortion caused by thermal radiation absorption, particularly affecting image quality from optical sensors like cameras.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic interlayer with a zone opaque to visible and UV radiation is used instead of enamel, applied between glass sheets during lamination to conceal unsightly elements and reduce optical distortion, eliminating the need for high-temperature firing and minimizing thermal interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If enamel composition is applied to glass sheet to conceal unsightly elements, then light transmission is limited and aesthetic appearance is improved, but optical distortion occurs and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from enamel composition to thermoplastic polymer composition, which fundamentally alters the thermal and optical properties. The thermoplastic material does not absorb thermal radiation in the same way enamel does, eliminating the source of optical distortion while maintaining the light transmission limitation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pigmented thermoplastic polymer composition that can be colored to match the enamel appearance, providing the same aesthetic function of limiting light transmission and concealing elements without the harmful thermal absorption effects of traditional enamel.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If enamel composition is applied to glass sheet, then concealment of unsightly elements is achieved, but thermal radiation absorption increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the coating material from high thermal radiation absorption (enamel) to low thermal radiation absorption (thermoplastic polymer). This parameter change eliminates the harmful thermal effects while preserving the concealment function through pigmentation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If enamel composition is applied to glass sheet, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to high-temperature firing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-temperature firing process (thermal/chemical system) with a lower-temperature lamination process (mechanical/thermal system). The thermoplastic polymer is applied and bonded at temperatures compatible with standard lamination processes, eliminating the need for separate high-temperature firing equipment and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the concealment function and the bonding function into a single material layer. The thermoplastic polymer serves both as the aesthetic coating and as the interlayer that bonds glass sheets, eliminating the need for separate enamel application and firing steps.
4Illumination intensity
If enamel composition is applied to glass sheet, then light transmission is limited, but adherence during high-temperature processing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing temperature parameter from high-temperature firing (enamel) to lower-temperature lamination (thermoplastic). This temperature parameter change ensures that the polymer remains adherent throughout the process, bonding reliably to the glass sheets without the adherence problems associated with high-temperature enamel processing.
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 or eliminates optical distortion in images captured by optical sensors, simplifies the glazing manufacturing process, and enhances the aesthetic appeal by providing a homogeneous opaque zone that conceals elements without the drawbacks of enamel, such as burn lines and increased energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoplastic interlayer comprising a zone which is opaque to radiation of the wavelengths of the visible region and to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Implementation Method 2
the presence of the enamel is reflected by a substantial difference in absorption of the thermal radiation, leading locally to differences in the forming kinetics
Data Source
AI summary
A laminated glazing including a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet laminated via at least one thermoplastic interlayer, and an optical sensor arranged on the inner face of the laminated glazing. The thermoplastic interlayer includes a zone that is opaque to visible wavelengths and that extends at least in the zone surrounding the optical sensor.