Localized Windshield Filter for Region-Specific Optical Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fabricating automotive glass with varying optical and physical properties across the pane is complex and often impossible or prohibitively expensive using conventional methods.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered structure is employed, where a second material with a shallower initial curvature is applied to a first material, deforming to match the first material's curvature, allowing for localized adjustment of properties such as tint and transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers of glass are combined/laminated to achieve differing optical properties across the pane, then the desired varied optical properties can be achieved, but the fabrication complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a localized glass filter (second material) with specific optical properties to a particular region of the windshield (first material), rather than requiring the entire glass pane to have uniform properties. This allows different optical characteristics (tint, transparency, sensor compatibility) in different areas while maintaining a relatively simple single-layer base structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines two different glass materials (first material for the main windshield and second material for the localized filter) to create a composite structure that achieves varied optical properties. This composite approach allows customization of optical characteristics in specific regions without fabricating the entire pane with complex multi-layer structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers of glass are combined/laminated to achieve differing optical properties, then varied properties can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing an expensive multi-layer glass pane with varied properties throughout, the patent applies a localized filter material only to the specific region where different optical properties are needed. This dramatically reduces material costs and manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired functional variation
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield manufacturing process is segmented into a base layer (first material) and a localized functional layer (second material). This segmentation allows the majority of the glass to be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes, while only a small portion requires specialized material application
3Adaptability or versatility
If a second material with deeper curvature is applied to the first material, then the desired optical properties can be achieved, but air bubbles may form due to curvature mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-curves the second material (glass filter) to match the curvature of the first material (windshield) before application. This preliminary shaping ensures that when the filtered glass is bonded to the windshield, the surfaces are already aligned, preventing air bubble formation and ensuring reliable adhesion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a curvature-matching intermediate step in the manufacturing process where the second material is pre-formed to match the first material's geometry. This intermediary action serves as a mediator between the flat second material and the curved first material, enabling bubble-free application
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 cost-effective fabrication of automotive glass with varied properties, ensuring aesthetic appeal and functional integration of sensors or cameras without air bubbles, while maintaining transparency for drivers.
Implementation Method 1
the second material has a second profile having a second curvature, the first curvature is shallower than the second curvature, and upon completion of location of the second material on the first material, the layer of second material has a third profile having a third curvature, the third curvature matches, or substantially matches, the first curvature
Data Source
AI summary
A window system having a variety of optical properties is described. To adjust a property (e.g., physical, optical, etc.) of a window, a piece of material can be placed at the location of the desired property, wherein the piece of material has the desired property. The desired property can be a tint, polarization, opaque to a particular portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and such. Accordingly, a window can be fabricated having a range of properties across one or more regions of the window. The piece of material can have a thickness enabling the piece of material to be deformable. The piece of material can have an initial curved profile such that only a first part of the piece of material initially touches a surface of the windscreen. During application of the piece of material, the material deforms to match the surface profile of the window.