Laser Window Decoating With Movable Focus for Multi-Glazed Glass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoating apparatuses are inefficient for multi-glazed windows mounted on objects, as they require precise knowledge of the window structure and cannot adapt to different configurations, leading to poor focusing and inefficient decoating, especially for small decoating portions on vehicles or buildings.
Innovation Solution
A compact decoating apparatus with a fixed laser device and movable focal lens, allowing adaptation to various window configurations without changing the laser device, and using a galvo head for precise orientation of the laser beam to decoat specific portions of the coating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser decoating system is used to remove coating portions to improve electromagnetic transparency, then radio wave transmission is improved, but the thermal insulation performance and aesthetic appearance of the window are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating narrow decoated lines (10-100 μm width) rather than removing large coating areas. This localized approach removes sufficient coating to improve electromagnetic transparency while preserving the majority of the coating system that provides thermal insulation and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by removing only the minimum necessary portions of the coating (narrow lines with specific spacing) rather than large areas. The spacing between decoated lines is carefully controlled to provide adequate electromagnetic transparency while maintaining sufficient coating coverage for thermal performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing decoating apparatus are used on windows with unknown structure, then the apparatus cannot adapt to different window configurations, but modifying the apparatus to handle various configurations increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the focal lens movable along the Z-axis while keeping the laser device fixed. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the apparatus to adapt to different window configurations (different glass thicknesses, coating positions) without requiring a completely reconfigurable laser system, thus balancing adaptability with device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing an apparatus that can handle multiple window types (single-glazed, multi-glazed, different thicknesses) using a single fixed laser device combined with a movable focal lens. The system performs multiple functions (focusing on different surfaces, adapting to unknown structures) without requiring multiple specialized laser units.
3Device complexity
If the laser is always focused on a single point to simplify the apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the decoating precision and efficiency for small portions are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical focusing adjustments with a movable focal lens system that can be precisely positioned along the Z-axis. This substitution allows for accurate focusing on small decoating portions while maintaining relative apparatus simplicity, as the movable lens provides precise control without requiring complex mechanical focusing mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient decoating of multi-glazed windows in situ with improved electromagnetic transparency and reduced decoating time, maintaining the thermal performance and aesthetic appeal by allowing precise control over the decoating process on windows of unknown structure.
Implementation Method 1
a laser device to decoat at least partially a portion of a coating system presents on a surface of the multi-glazed window
Implementation Method 2
a movable means able to move said mobile part substantially along said lateral axis Z... a focal lens to produce a focal point of the laser beam at a defined distance Df from the focal lens
Data Source
AI summary
An improved decoating apparatus and associated method inscribed in a parallelepiped rectangle defined by a longitudinal axis, a vertical axis, defining a plane and a lateral axis, including a mounting means to mount the decoating apparatus on a window mounted in situ. The decoating apparatus further includes a laser device to decoat at least partially a portion of a coating system presents on a surface of the window. The laser device includes a fixed part, irremovable in the decoating apparatus in directions paralleled to the plane and along the lateral axis, including a laser generator to generate a laser beam. The laser device includes a mobile part including a focal lens to produce a focal point of the laser beam at a defined distance from the focal lens. The decoating apparatus further includes a movable means able to move the mobile part substantially along the lateral axis.