Laminated Vehicle Glazing for High NIR LIDAR Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laminated glazing systems for vehicles, particularly those incorporating LIDAR technology, face challenges in achieving high near-infrared transmission while maintaining comfort, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness, especially when using two full extra-clear glasses.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glazing system comprising a first sheet of glass with reduced iron oxide content and an anti-reflective coating, combined with a second sheet of glass having a higher iron oxide content, and a hollowed-out lamination interlayer to enhance transmission in the near-infrared range, optimizing the placement of the anti-reflective coating for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two full extra-clear glass sheets are used to achieve high near-infrared transmission, then LIDAR performance is improved, but cost increases and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different iron oxide content levels to different glass sheets: the first sheet (exterior) has low iron oxide content (0.002-0.06%) for high NIR transmission, while the second sheet (interior) has higher iron oxide content (0.06-1.5%) for aesthetic appearance. This local differentiation allows each sheet to perform its specific function optimally without requiring both sheets to be expensive extra-clear glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite glazing system combining glass sheets with different compositions (different iron oxide contents) and an interlayer with specific optical properties. This composite structure achieves high overall NIR transmission while maintaining aesthetic appearance, replacing the need for two identical extra-clear glass sheets.
2Reliability
If two full extra-clear glass sheets are used to achieve high near-infrared transmission, then LIDAR performance is improved, but the appearance and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different optical properties to different sheets: the first sheet optimizes for NIR transmission (low iron oxide) while the second sheet optimizes for visible light appearance (higher iron oxide giving green/blue tint). This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between LIDAR performance and aesthetic comfort.
3Reliability
If the anti-reflective coating is placed on the first sheet of glass, then near-infrared transmission is improved, but the coating needs access to the free surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the glazing system into distinct functional layers, creating a through-hole in the interlayer that provides direct access to the free surface of the first glass sheet. This allows the anti-reflective coating to be applied directly to the exterior surface without interference from intermediate layers, simplifying the coating application process.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlayer acts as an intermediary element that can be selectively removed (via through-hole) to provide access to the glass surface. This mediator approach allows the AR coating to reach the first sheet's free surface while the interlayer remains in place to provide lamination and structural functions.
4Reliability
If the iron oxide content in the first sheet is reduced to increase transmission, then near-infrared performance is improved, but the glass becomes more vulnerable to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses low iron oxide content (0.002-0.06%) specifically in the first sheet where high NIR transmission is critical, while the second sheet has higher iron oxide content (0.06-1.5%) that provides both aesthetic appearance and enhanced durability. This local differentiation allows the first sheet to be optimized for optical performance without compromising overall system durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite glazing system combines glass sheets with different compositions, where the second sheet with higher iron oxide content provides structural robustness and resistance to degradation, compensating for the more vulnerable first sheet with lower iron oxide content optimized for NIR transmission.
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
This configuration achieves higher transmission levels in the near-infrared range, improves comfort and aesthetics, and reduces costs by eliminating the need for a second extra-clear glass, while maintaining effective performance for LIDAR applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first sheet of glass comprises, on the face F2, an anti-reflective coating, preferably local, at at least one so-called working wavelength in the infrared in a range from 800nm to 1800nm
Implementation Method 2
The second sheet of glass... has a weight content of total iron oxide of at least 0.4% and preferably of at most 1.5%
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laminated vehicle glazing (100) comprising a first extra-clear glass sheet (outer glazing), a lamination interlayer and a second glass sheet (inner glazing) having a hole passing through the latter.