Heated Acoustic Composite Pane to Minimize Optical Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laminated glass panes face challenges in achieving high optical quality while incorporating heating elements due to optical distortions caused by the heating elements' contact with functional layers, and they require significant space and energy for heating, limiting design and construction freedom.

Innovation Solution

A composite glass pane design with an acoustic interlayer comprising a thicker layer housing the heating element, ensuring it is fully enclosed, reducing contact with functional layers and minimizing optical distortions, and allowing for electric heating without HVAC systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If heating elements are embedded between glass panes within the thermoplastic interlayer, then heating function is achieved, but optical distortions occur due to contact with functional layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating functionVSAvoidoptical quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The interlayer is segmented into multiple layers: a first interlayer containing the heating element, and a second interlayer without heating element. This segmentation isolates the heating element from the functional layer, preventing optical distortions while maintaining the heating function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first interlayer acts as an intermediary between the heating element and the functional layer, preventing direct contact. This intermediary layer eliminates the harmful interaction causing optical distortions while allowing the heating element to function effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If HVAC systems are used to heat the windshield, then heating function is achieved, but significant space and energy are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating functionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The windshield heating system serves itself by embedding heating elements directly within the glass pane structure. The heating element generates heat internally through electrical resistance, eliminating the need for external HVAC systems, ducts, and blowers, thereby reducing space requirements and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical HVAC system (blowers, ducts, air flow) is replaced with an electrical heating element embedded in the glass. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while achieving the same heating function more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances optical quality by reducing distortions and eliminates the need for HVAC heating systems, providing design flexibility and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the pane itself can have an electric heating function. For example, DE 10352464 A1 discloses a laminated glass pane in which electrically heated wires are embedded between two glass panes as a heating element. The specific heating power can be adjusted by the ohmic resistance of the wires.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

This acoustic damping is usually achieved in laminated glass through so-called acoustic interlayers. These acoustic interlayers have a functional layer that absorbs or reflects sound in a specific frequency range.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP4532196B1Heatable composite pane with acoustically damping properties
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE
  • EP4532196B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4532196B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a composite pane (100) comprising: - an outer pane (1), - an inner pane (2), - an acoustic intermediate layer (3) arranged between the inner pane (2) and the outer pane (1), and - a heating element (4), wherein the acoustic intermediate layer (3) comprises, in the following order, a thick layer (3.1), a functional layer (3.2), and a thin layer (3.3), and the heating element (4) is arranged within the thick layer (3.1). The thickness (a) of the thick layer (3.1) is at least 10% greater than the thickness (c) of the thin layer (3.3).