Segmented Glass Canopy With Seamless Multi-Region Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glass structures in vehicles often appear disjointed due to separate components for different features like lighting, tinting, and haze, which can create a non-seamless appearance both externally and internally.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece glass canopy with multiple internal regions, each featuring unique characteristics, is integrated with adjustable feature layers and trim/masking layers to hide gaps, providing a continuous external appearance and varied functionality internally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for different features (lighting, tinting, haze), then each feature can be independently controlled and adjusted, but the appearance becomes disjointed and non-seamless
Solution Approach 1:
The glass structure is divided into multiple separate components, each providing a specific feature (lighting layer, tinting layer, haze layer). These segmented layers can be independently controlled and adjusted while collectively forming the complete glass assembly, resolving the contradiction between feature versatility and appearance continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple feature layers are nested within each other, with each layer contained within the overall glass structure. The lighting layer, tinting layer, and haze layer are positioned at different depths within the glass assembly, allowing independent control of each feature while maintaining a unified seamless appearance from the exterior.
2Shape
If a single-piece glass structure is used, then a seamless appearance is achieved, but different features (lighting, tinting, haze) cannot be independently controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece glass structure is segmented into multiple functional layers, each responsible for a specific feature. This segmentation enables independent control of lighting, tinting, and haze features while preserving the overall seamless appearance of the unified glass assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass structure is constructed as a composite assembly of multiple layers with different functional properties. Each layer (lighting, tinting, haze) is a distinct material or functional component that can be independently controlled, while the composite structure as a whole provides the seamless appearance characteristic of a single-piece glass structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If feature layers are coupled to different regions of glass, then regional functionality is achieved, but gaps and trim materials are required between regions
Solution Approach 1:
The glass structure is segmented into different functional regions, with feature layers coupled to specific regions to provide localized functionality. This segmentation enables different parts of the glass assembly to perform different functions (e.g., lighting in one region, tinting in another) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the glass structure are assigned different functional properties through the selective coupling of feature layers. Each region has its own specific characteristics (lighting, tinting, haze) tailored to its intended function, while the use of trim materials minimizes the visual impact of the transitions between regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include an exterior canopy that extends from a front of a body to a rear of the body. The canopy may include a layer of glass. Different feature layers may be coupled to different regions of the layer of glass. Window layers may each be coupled to the different feature layers. The feature layers and window layers may form three regions, such as a windshield, roof glass, and backlite. Each region may include unique features, such as lighting, display, tinting, and/or haze features. Some of the feature layers may be adjustable by control circuitry in the system. Material may be included between the window layers and the different feature layers to fill any gaps. For example, trim and/or a masking layer may be used to match the appearance between the different regions.