Infrared-Transmitting Vehicle Glazing With Flush Camera Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of thermal cameras in vehicles is hindered by the absorption of infrared light rays by vehicle glazing, and existing solutions struggle with ensuring precise alignment and flushness of inserts within the glazing, leading to potential damage and reduced infrared light transmission.
Innovation Solution
A glazed element with an infrared light transmission system comprising a support and a second glazing with a lower absorption coefficient, where the second glazing is embedded in the support and sealed by a flange, allowing for direct contact and improved alignment, and potentially using zinc sulfide or zinc selenide materials for enhanced infrared transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring of flexible material is glued to the windscreen glass to seal the opening, then the infrared light transmission is enabled, but the adhesive may spill over onto the external face of the glass, damaging the flushness of the glazed element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealant as an intermediary substance between the ring and the windscreen glass. This sealant performs the sealing function while being contained within the recess, preventing it from spilling onto the external face. The sealant mediates between the need for sealing and the requirement for flushness, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a recess in the windscreen glass before installing the ring and sealant. This preliminary action of forming the recess provides a predetermined containment space for the sealant, ensuring that it remains confined and does not spill onto the external face. The recess is prepared in advance to guide the sealant into the correct position and prevent manufacturing defects.
2Reliability
If an insert is arranged in the opening of the windscreen, then infrared light rays can pass through, but precise alignment of the insert and the glazing on the same external surface is difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the ring containing the infrared-transmitting material directly into the opening of the windscreen glass, creating a nested structure where the ring is housed within the glass opening. This nesting arrangement ensures that the outer surface of the ring is flush with the external face of the glass, eliminating alignment issues. The nested structure automatically positions the insert correctly without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess structure in the windscreen glass provides self-aligning features that guide the ring into the correct position during installation. The geometry of the recess and the ring are designed to work together, allowing the ring to automatically position itself flush with the glass surface without requiring additional alignment tools or procedures. This self-service mechanism simplifies the manufacturing process and ensures consistent alignment.
3Temperature
If the first glazing has high absorption coefficient for infrared light, then the glazing provides thermal protection, but the thermal camera cannot detect infrared radiation from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the windscreen glass heterogeneous: the majority of the glass maintains high infrared absorption for thermal protection, while a specific local region (the opening with the ring insert) has high infrared transmission for camera detection. This local quality differentiation allows the glazing to simultaneously provide both thermal protection and infrared detection capability without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the windscreen glass into two functional zones: a large area of infrared-absorbing glass for thermal protection and a small localized opening with infrared-transmitting material for thermal camera detection. This segmentation allows the system to perform both functions by dividing the glazing into regions with different optical properties, each optimized for its specific purpose.
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 infrared light transmission through vehicle glazing while maintaining flushness and preventing adhesive overflow, allowing for effective detection of obstacles by thermal cameras in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the second glazing having a second coefficient a2 of light absorption for a light ray having at least one wavelength chosen between 800 nm and 15 μm, the second coefficient a2 being strictly lower than the first coefficient a1
Data Source
AI summary
A glazed element includes a first glazing having a first main face and a second main face, and an opening, the opening defining an inner wall of the first glazing and extending along a thickness of the first glazing, and an infrared light transmission system fixedly mounted to the first glazing and inserted in the opening.