Laminated Pane Anti-Reflection Coating for Camera Windows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laminated panes with electrically conductive coatings, commonly used in vehicles, impair the operability of camera systems by reducing transmittance in the red spectral range, necessitating local decoating which compromises heating capabilities and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A laminated pane with an electrically conductive coating and an anti-reflection coating applied in a defined region for the camera window, allowing for retained heating capabilities while enhancing transmittance in the red spectral range without full decoating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If local decoating is performed to improve camera operability, then transmittance in the red spectral range is improved, but heating capabilities are lost and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera operabilityVSAvoidheating capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies an anti-reflection coating specifically in the camera window region where it is most needed for camera operability, while maintaining the electrically conductive coating in other regions to preserve heating capabilities. This localized differentiation allows the pane to have different optical properties in different areas without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the optical parameters of the pane by applying an anti-reflection coating with specific refractive index and thickness characteristics in the camera region. This changes the transmittance parameter in the red spectral range locally, improving camera performance while leaving the heating function intact in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If electrically conductive coating is applied to improve heat radiation reduction, then energy efficiency is improved, but transmittance in the red spectral range decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat radiation inputVSAvoidcamera transmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pane surface into different functional regions: a camera window region with anti-reflection coating for optimized optical performance and a non-coated or differently coated region for heat radiation control. This segmentation allows each region to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrically conductive coating is applied selectively to regions where heat radiation reduction is most important, while the camera window region receives an anti-reflection coating instead. This local differentiation of coating types allows simultaneous optimization of both thermal and optical performance in their respective regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If anti-reflection coating is applied over the entire surface, then transmittance is improved, but production costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall transmittanceVSAvoidcoating application complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying anti-reflection coating to the entire pane surface, the patent applies it only to the camera window region where it is most critical for camera operability. This localized application reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining optimal performance in the essential area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies anti-reflection coating partially, only to the extent needed for camera functionality, rather than excessively covering the entire surface. This partial action approach achieves sufficient performance improvement for the camera while avoiding unnecessary manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 maintains the benefits of electrically conductive coatings while improving transmittance ratios, ensuring better camera performance and reducing production costs by avoiding extensive decoating.

Implementation Method 1

an anti-reflection coating which is arranged on the surface of the inner pane facing away from the intermediate layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

an electrically conductive coating which is arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250028169A1Laminated pane with an electrically conductive coating and local Anti-reflection coating

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA

AI summary

A laminated pane includes an outer pane and an inner pane, which are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer, an electrically conductive coating between the outer pane and the inner pane, an anti-reflection coating only in a partial region of the laminated pane which is provided for a camera window, wherein the anti-reflection coating is arranged on the surface of the inner pane facing away from the intermediate layer, and the electrically conductive coating is also arranged in the partial region.