Segmented Heatable Side Window for Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heatable side windows in vehicles face challenges in achieving a homogeneous heating effect due to their complex shape, leading to uneven temperature distribution and 'hot spots' caused by non-parallel busbar arrangements and varying current paths.
Innovation Solution
A laminated side window design featuring an electrically conductive coating divided into segments by insulation lines, with segments connected in series to form heating strips of similar lengths to ensure uniform current distribution and temperature across the window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conductive coating is structured using linear uncoated areas to guide current paths, then the current can be directed across the transparent area, but areas with significantly different temperatures and hot spots are formed due to varying current path lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive coating is divided into multiple segments by insulating lines, creating discrete heating zones. Each segment can be independently controlled and optimized for uniform current distribution, preventing hot spots while maintaining effective current guidance across the complex-shaped window surface
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the conductive coating are designed with locally optimized properties, including varying widths and patterns tailored to specific regions of the window. This allows current path lengths to be equalized across segments while adapting to the complex geometry, ensuring uniform heating without hot spots
2Temperature
If busbars are arranged parallel to each other at the upper and lower edges, then a homogeneous heating field is formed, but this arrangement cannot be achieved in side windows with complex shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent zones along the complex contour of the side window. Each segment acts as an independent heating element with optimized current path length, allowing the overall system to adapt to complex shapes while maintaining homogeneous heating within each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system design transitions from fixed parallel busbar arrangement to dynamic segmentation that adapts to the specific geometry of the side window. Insulating lines and segment boundaries are positioned to follow the complex contours, enabling the system to maintain heating uniformity across varied shapes
3Temperature
If segments are connected in series to form heating strips of equal length, then uniform temperature distribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to insulating lines and connecting elements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductive segments are electrically connected in series to form continuous heating strips of equal length. This merging of segments into unified heating elements simplifies the overall control structure while maintaining uniform temperature distribution across the complex-shaped window surface
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
This design achieves a homogeneous heating effect by maintaining temperature consistency across the window, reducing 'hot spots' and ensuring efficient de-icing and moisture removal, while maintaining transparency and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive coating arranged across a surface between the outer window and the inner window, which is divided into segments by insulating lines, wherein the coating has heating strips running between a first busbar and a second busbar
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a heatable laminated side pane, at least comprising an outer pane (1) and an inner pane (2), which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic intermediate layer (3), and an electrically conductive coating (4) arranged on the surface between the outer pane (1) and the inner pane (2), which coating (4) is divided into segments (6) by isolation lines (5), wherein - the coating (4) has heating strips (9) extending between a first current collector rail (7) and a second current collector rail (8) and each containing at least one segment (6), which heating strips are electrically isolated from each other, - at least one heating strip (9) is formed by at least two segments (6), which are connected to each other in an electrically conductive manner via at least one electrically conductive connector element (10), and - the length of each individual heating strip (9) deviates by a maximum of 15% from the average length of the heating strips (9).