Laminated Pane Light Guide Integration for Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite panes with electrically switchable optical properties lack integrated lighting, requiring additional space for multiple low-power light sources, which compromises aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A composite pane design featuring a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties, surrounded by a thermoplastic frame layer, and incorporating a light guide between the panes, which provides embedded accent lighting without the need for additional light modules, using a light guide that can be pre-fixed during lamination and connected via transparent fastening means for secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple low-power light sources are installed as additional components, then lighting function is achieved, but space requirements increase and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting function with the existing pane structure by integrating a light guide between the panes. This eliminates the need for separate light modules and reduces space requirements, as the lighting system becomes part of the pane assembly rather than an additional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is positioned in the vertical dimension between the panes, utilizing the thickness direction of the pane structure. This allows lighting integration without increasing the horizontal footprint, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the space constraint.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple low-power light sources are installed as additional components, then lighting function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (lighting, structural support, and optical display) into a single integrated system. The light guide serves both as a structural element within the pane assembly and as the lighting component, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide performs multiple functions: it provides the lighting path, serves as a structural element between panes, and enables both contour lighting and functional lighting modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
3Volume of moving object
If a light guide is integrated between panes, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is pre-positioned on the intermediate layer before the final lamination step. This preliminary placement allows for precise positioning and simplifies the integration process, as the light guide is already in its correct location when the panes are bonded together, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer serves as a mediator that facilitates the integration of the light guide. By placing the light guide on the intermediate layer, the patent creates a simple interface for integration during lamination, making the manufacturing process more straightforward despite the added functionality.
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 integration of a light guide within the pane structure offers attractive accent lighting while significantly reducing space requirements, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functional lighting in vehicles without impairing visibility through the pane.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide which is arranged at least partially between the outer pane and the inner pane
Implementation Method 2
An example of this are electrochromic functional elements, which are known, for example, from US 20120026573 A1 and WO 2012007334 A1
Implementation Method 3
Another example are SPD (suspended particle device) functional elements, which are known, for example, from EP 0876608 B1 and WO 2011033313 A1
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a composite pane (10) having electrically controllable optical properties, comprising: an outer pane (1), a first intermediate layer (11), a second intermediate layer (12) and an inner pane (2), a functional element (3) having electrically controllable optical properties, which is arranged between the first intermediate layer (11) and the second intermediate layer (12), and a thermoplastic frame layer (5), which surrounds the functional element (3) in the manner of a frame, wherein the outer pane (1) and the inner pane (2) are connected to each other by means of the first intermediate layer (11), the second intermediate layer (12) and the thermoplastic frame layer (5), and an optical waveguide (4) is arranged at least partially between the outer pane (1) and the inner pane (2).