Heatable Laminated Windshield for High-Contrast Head-Up Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-up displays in vehicles face issues with image reflection on windshields, leading to secondary images that can be disruptive, and require high-powered projectors to maintain visibility in various conditions, which increases energy consumption and heat emission. Additionally, existing heating methods for windshields are inefficient and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A laminated pane with a thermoplastic intermediate layer, a heating element, and a reflective layer that overlaps with the opaque masking layer, allowing for reduced projector power consumption, improved image contrast, and efficient heating, replacing traditional HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a high-powered projector is used to maintain visibility in various lighting conditions, then the brightness and visibility of the projected image is improved, but the energy consumption and heat emission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat emission from the projector into a beneficial function by using it to drive the thermoplastic intermediate layer's optical properties. The heat generated during projection temporarily modifies the refractive index of the thermoplastic layer, creating a dynamic optical effect that enhances image visibility without requiring additional power for active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in temperature as a parameter to control the optical properties of the thermoplastic intermediate layer. By varying the temperature through the projector's heat output, the refractive index of the layer changes dynamically, allowing the system to adapt image brightness and contrast based on ambient conditions without adjusting projector power.
2Illumination intensity
If a reflective layer is added to the laminated pane to improve image reflection, then the image contrast and visibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoplastic intermediate layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an adhesive bonding the glass panes, provides optical modulation through temperature-dependent refractive index changes, and serves as a heat transfer medium from the projector to the optical elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure where the thermoplastic intermediate layer is formulated with specific optical and thermal properties. This composite material combines adhesive characteristics with thermally-responsive optical modulation capabilities, allowing a single layer to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components.
3Temperature
If traditional HVAC systems are used for heating the windshield, then the heating function is provided, but the space consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing projection system. The projector's light source and optical path are used to deliver thermal energy directly to the windshield surface through the thermoplastic intermediate layer, eliminating the need for separate HVAC heating ducts and components. This integration combines two functions (projection and heating) into a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system serves dual purposes: displaying images and providing windshield heating. The thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted heat emission from the projector is utilized to heat the windshield, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for dedicated heating infrastructure.
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 laminated pane reduces energy consumption and heat generation, allows for a leaner vehicle design, and provides high-contrast image presentation while effectively heating the windshield, enhancing visibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective layer (11) is suitable for reflecting visible light
Implementation Method 2
the heating element is arranged within the opaque region of the masking layer
Data Source
AI summary
A laminated pane includes an outer and inner panes and a thermoplastic intermediate layer arranged between the outer and inner panes, wherein the outer and inner panes each have an outer and an inner side, and the inner side of the outer pane and the outer side of the inner pane face one another, and the thermoplastic intermediate layer contains at least one masking layer, and the masking layer is opaque at least in one region, a heating element which is arranged within the opaque region of the masking layer, and a reflective layer adapted to reflect visible light, wherein the reflective layer is arranged spatially in front of the at least one masking layer in the viewing direction from the inner pane to the outer pane and overlaps at least partially with the opaque region of the masking layer.