Laminated Glazing with Wedge Interlayer for LIDAR and HUD Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle windshields with integrated LIDAR sensors face challenges in achieving optimal ultraviolet, visible, and infrared properties that conflict with desired solar performance, especially when used as a combiner in HUD systems, and existing manufacturing methods are complex and not easily adaptable for different applications.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glazing design featuring a first and second sheet of glazing material joined by an interlayer structure with heat-absorbing particles and a wedge-shaped configuration, allowing for varying transmittance in different regions to accommodate sensor operation and HUD functionality while maintaining suitable solar performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the windscreen is designed to optimize sensor performance with specific ultraviolet, visible, and infrared transmittance properties, then the sensor performance is improved, but the solar performance of the windscreen deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The windscreen is divided into multiple regions with different optical properties: a first region (sensor region) with optimized transmittance for sensor wavelengths and a second region (HUD region) with optimized solar performance. This spatial segmentation allows each region to fulfill its specific functional requirements independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the windscreen are assigned different optical characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The sensor region has high transmittance at sensor wavelengths while the HUD region has reduced solar transmittance, creating local quality variations that resolve the overall performance contradiction.
2Illumination intensity
If the windscreen is designed for HUD functionality with light reflection from the inner surface, then the HUD display quality is improved, but the sensor beam transmission performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The windscreen is segmented into a HUD region optimized for light reflection and display quality, and a sensor region optimized for beam transmission. This segmentation allows the HUD functionality to utilize the inner surface reflection while the sensor region maintains high transmittance for laser beam passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The HUD region is designed with optical properties that enhance light reflection and display quality, while the sensor region has different local properties that maximize beam transmission. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between HUD display quality and sensor beam transmission.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single manufacturing method is used for windscreens, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different applications (with or without HUD/sensors) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into modular steps that can be selectively applied or modified based on the desired application. The base windscreen structure is manufactured using a standard process, while regional optical properties are then differentiated through selective treatment or coating techniques, allowing adaptability without complete process redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing method is designed to produce a universal windscreen base structure that can serve multiple applications. By incorporating flexible steps that can be adjusted or omitted based on whether HUD or sensor functionality is required, the same manufacturing framework adapts to different application requirements.
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 laminated glazing design enhances sensor performance by optimizing transmittance and reducing double images in HUD systems, while providing adjustable solar performance for different vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
an interlayer structure with heat-absorbing particles
Implementation Method 2
a wedge-shaped configuration, allowing for varying transmittance in different regions
Data Source
AI summary
A laminated glazing includes first and second sheets of glazing material joined by an interlayer structure including a first sheet of adhesive interlayer material having a first (window) region for positioning a (LIDAR) sensor thereon and a second region that is a through-vision region. The first region comprises a first portion and the second region comprises a second portion of a major surface of the first sheet of glazing material. The laminated glazing has a first transmittance of electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the sensor at the first portion that is higher than a second transmittance at the second portion. It also has a visible light transmission greater than 70% at the second portion. The separation of the first and second glazing material sheets varies in at least one direction and/or the first sheet of adhesive comprises heat absorbing particles such as lanthanum hexaboride particles or certain metal-doped metal oxide particles.