Heatable Glazing with DC/DC Converter for Zone Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heatable glazings are complex and inefficient, particularly when attempting to heat specific zones faster than others, leading to increased production costs and potential robustness issues.

Innovation Solution

A heatable glazing system utilizing a DC/DC electrical converter to independently control voltage across different zones, allowing for efficient heating of distinct areas such as the vision area and wiper rest area by converting a higher voltage to a lower voltage with a buck converter, enabling independent or simultaneous heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating elements with different heating rates are provided, then different zones can be heated at different rates, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferent heating rates for different zonesVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The glazing is divided into multiple independent heating zones (first portion and second portion), each with its own busbars for independent voltage application. This allows different zones to be heated at different rates by applying different voltages to each zone, while using a single heating element structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system allows dynamic control of voltage applied to different zones through a control unit that can independently adjust voltage V1 for the first portion and voltage V2 for the second portion, enabling flexible heating rates based on real-time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complicated circuits are used to provide different heating rates, then different zones can be heated differently, but manufacturing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone-specific heating controlVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple heating zones are merged into a single heating element structure rather than using separate heating elements for each zone. This simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to control each zone independently through separate busbar connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single heating element serves multiple functions by heating different zones at different rates, replacing the need for multiple specialized heating elements. This multi-functional approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complicated circuits are used to provide different heating rates, then different zones can be heated differently, but robustness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent zone heatingVSAvoidsystem robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is segmented into independent zones with separate busbar connections, allowing one zone to fail without affecting the other zones. This modular approach improves system robustness while maintaining independent control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element uses uniform material and construction throughout, with differences in heating rate achieved through electrical control rather than structural complexity. This homogeneous design improves reliability by eliminating weak points associated with complex multi-element constructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 allows for efficient, independent heating of different zones with reduced power consumption and dissipation, enabling faster defrosting of critical areas like the wiper rest area while maintaining efficient heating of the vision area, thus simplifying the manufacturing process and improving robustness.

Implementation Method 1

the voltage V1 is converted into a voltage V2 within the second portion of the heatable glazing by an electrical converter DC/DC

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conversion (DC/DC):

Implementation Method 2

Glazings which are heated by the passage of electric current through a resistive heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11076453B2Heatable glazing

Publication Date: 2021.07.27 AGC GLASS EUROPE SA

AI summary

A heatable glazing comprising a pane of glazing material with a first portion delimited by a first and a second bus bars wherein a voltage VI is applied and a second portion of the pane in need of rapid heating delimited by the second bus bar and a third bus bar wherein a voltage V2 is applied. The voltage VI is converted into a voltage V2 within the second portion by an electrical converter DC/DC.