Illuminable Glazing Edge Layer for Scattered Light Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glazing arrangements in vehicles suffer from unwanted light scattering at the edge of the pane, which is visible and undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A glazing assembly with an opaque thermoplastic intermediate layer in the edge region to absorb scattered light, combined with cover layers to prevent light leakage, ensuring minimal visibility of edge light scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If light is coupled into the glass pane via side surface, then light coupling efficiency is improved and homogeneous illumination is achieved, but light scattering at the edge region becomes visible and undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a selective absorption coating only in the edge region (1-500 mm from the edge) of the glass pane, leaving the central illumination area unchanged. This localized treatment absorbs scattered light at the edges while preserving homogeneous illumination in the main viewing area, resolving the contradiction between efficient light coupling and edge scattering visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption coating acts as an intermediary element between the light coupling process and the final visual appearance. It intercepts and absorbs the scattered light rays before they can exit the glass pane at the edges, preventing the harmful visual effect while maintaining the beneficial light coupling efficiency
2Object-affected harmful factors
If covering print is provided in the edge region to absorb scattered light, then light scattering is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter (absorption properties) of the glass pane selectively in the edge region by applying a coating with specific absorption characteristics. This parameter change enables scattered light absorption without adding mechanical structures or complex components, thereby reducing device complexity compared to traditional covering prints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the base glass pane material with an absorption coating layer in the edge region. This composite approach integrates the light absorption function directly into the glass structure itself, eliminating the need for separate covering print components and reducing overall device complexity
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
Significantly reduces scattered light in the edge area of the composite pane, maintaining a homogeneous illumination effect with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption means for absorbing light coupled into the first pane, which absorption means is arranged in the edge region, wherein the absorption means comprises an opaque, in particular opaque, thermoplastic intermediate layer
Implementation Method 2
light from a light source is coupled into a flat light guide in the form of a pane of the glazing using total internal reflection
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a glazing arrangement (10) comprising a light source (2) for generating light (3) that can be coupled into a first pane, a border region (7) extending from a pane edge (12) of the first pane (1) over at least 1 mm to max. 500 mm on one of the surfaces (III, IV), and an absorption means (8) for the absorption of light (3) coupled into the first pane (1), which is arranged in the border region (7), wherein the absorption means (8) comprises a light-tight thermoplastic intermediate layer (5.2).