Heatable Vehicle Pane With Capacitive Switch Region Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically heatable vehicle windows face challenges in achieving uniform heat distribution and integrating a switching area without obstructing the view, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and minimal visual disruption.
Innovation Solution
An electrically heatable pane with a transparent substrate and an electrically conductive layer divided into a heating area and a switching area by a dividing line, featuring busbars connected to form a current path, and a capacitive switching area with specific geometric configurations to minimize visual impact and ensure efficient heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a switching area is integrated into the electrically conductive layer of the pane, then the pane can be controlled to switch heating on/off, but the switching area may obstruct the view through the pane
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive layer is segmented into distinct heating areas and switching areas by dividing lines. This segmentation allows the switching area to be electrically isolated and positioned in locations that minimize visual obstruction, such as edges or corners of the pane, while the heating areas remain transparent for optimal viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching area is designed with specific geometric configurations and positioned along the edges or periphery of the pane rather than in the central viewing area. This dimensional placement moves the control interface to a different spatial zone that does not interfere with the primary viewing function.
2Reliability
If busbars are used to collect and direct current for heating, then current distribution is improved, but the busbars may create non-uniform heat distribution and visual disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The busbars are strategically positioned at specific locations (edges or corners) of the pane where they can effectively collect and distribute current without creating visible patterns in the central viewing area. The dividing lines ensure that busbar locations do not become unintended heating zones, maintaining uniform heat distribution across the transparent areas.
3Area of stationary object
If the electrically conductive layer covers the entire pane surface, then heating coverage is maximized, but integrating a switching area becomes more complex and may affect heat uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive layer is divided into multiple functional segments (heating areas and switching areas) using dividing lines. This segmentation allows the switching area to be integrated into the overall structure without requiring a separate component, while the heating areas maintain continuous coverage for uniform heat distribution.
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 provides a cost-effective, visually unobtrusive, and uniformly heated pane with precise control over the switching area, preventing accidental triggering and ensuring reliable operation in vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
An electric current can be conducted through the electrically conductive coating by an external voltage source, which current heats up the coating and thus the pane
Implementation Method 2
If an object approaches the button, the capacitance of the surface electrode to ground or the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the two coupled electrodes changes. The change in capacitance is measured using a circuit arrangement or sensor electronics and a switching signal is triggered when a threshold value is exceeded
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrically heatable panel (100) with a switch region (10), at least comprising: - a transparent substrate (1) with a surface (III), - at least one transparent electrically conductive layer (2) which is arranged at least on a part of the surface (III), - at least one separating line (4.1) which electrically separates the layer (2) into a heating region (3) and a switch region (10), and - at least two collection conductors (5.1, 5.2) which are provided for connecting to a voltage source (6) and which are connected to the heating region (3) such that a current path (7) for a heating current is formed between the collection conductors (5.1, 5.2), wherein the switch region (10) has at least one contact region (11), a supply region (12), and a connection region (13), and the connection region (13) can be connected to an electronic sensor (14).