Rear Liftgate Window Integrated Lighting Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear liftgate window assemblies for vehicles lack integrated lighting solutions that can illuminate the area below the liftgate when open, relying on external trim or frame elements for wiring and installation, which can be cumbersome and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A rear liftgate window assembly with integrated lighting devices, such as LEDs, bonded to the interior surface of the glass window panel, providing illumination without the need for additional wiring or trim elements, using conductive traces for electrical connection to the vehicle's wiring harness, and optionally including a heater grid for defrosting and defogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If external trim or frame elements are used for wiring and installation, then the lighting function can be achieved, but the device complexity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is merged with the glass window panel by bonding light sources directly to the inner surface of the glass. This integration eliminates the need for separate trim or frame elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining the lighting function. The wiring is also integrated into the glass panel structure rather than being externally mounted.
2Illumination intensity
If external trim or frame elements are used for wiring and installation, then the lighting function can be achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By bonding the lighting device directly to the glass window panel, the lighting function is merged with the aesthetic surface of the glass. This eliminates external trim or frame elements that would compromise the sleek appearance, while the light sources remain visible and functional when the liftgate is open.
3Device complexity
If light sources are bonded to the interior surface of the glass window panel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding surfaces are prepared in advance with conductive traces and bonding patterns established on the glass panel before the light sources are attached. This preliminary preparation ensures precise alignment and electrical connection, reducing the actual bonding operation to a straightforward attachment process while maintaining high manufacturing precision.
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 provides frameless glass liftgate window assemblies with integrated lighting that illuminates the rear area of the vehicle when open, enhancing usability in low-light conditions without additional wiring or trim elements, while maintaining a sleek appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting device having one or more light sources disposed at an inner surface of the glass window panel of the rear window assembly so as to provide a rear liftgate glass window assembly with lighting that is operable to illuminate an area below the liftgate
Implementation Method 2
The lighting device is electrically connected to a wiring harness or circuitry or user input of the vehicle when the window assembly is installed or mounted at the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
The light sources are bonded at the interior or in-cabin surface of the liftgate glass window panel and thus are integrated with the glass window panel
Data Source
AI summary
A rear liftgate window assembly for a vehicle includes a glass window panel configured to be pivotally mounted at a rear portion of a vehicle so as to be pivotable between a closed position and an opened position. A lighting device is disposed at an inner surface of the glass window panel and includes (i) at least one light source adhesively attached at the inner surface of the glass window panel, (ii) electrical connectors disposed at the inner surface of the glass window panel, and (iii) electrically conductive traces established at the inner surface of the glass window panel between the light sources and the electrical connectors. The electrical connectors are configured to electrically connect to a power source of the vehicle when the rear liftgate window assembly is mounted at the vehicle.