Segmented Transparent Pane Heating for Wiper Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent panes with electrical heating layers face challenges in heating the region of the windshield wiper parking zone effectively due to high sheet resistance and limited adaptability to different ohmic resistances and supply voltage levels, leading to inadequate heating power and increased production defects.
Innovation Solution
A transparent pane design featuring an electrically conductive, heatable coating bonded to a thermoplastic intermediate layer, with subdivided collection electrodes and additional heatable coatings outside the heating field, allowing for uniform heating and adaptability to varying resistances and voltages, and incorporating coating-free zones for electromagnetic radiation transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the sheet resistance of the heating layer is high, then the heating power is insufficient, but increasing the supply voltage is limited by the available on-board voltage (12-24V)
Solution Approach 1:
The heating layer is segmented into multiple independent heating zones (first heating zone, second heating zone, and third heating zone) with separate current paths. This allows each zone to be optimized independently for its specific heating requirements, enabling adequate heating power in the wiper parking zone without requiring excessive voltage across the entire pane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switchable heating configurations that can dynamically adjust the heating pattern based on requirements. The heating layers can be selectively activated or deactivated to adapt to different operating conditions, such as providing focused heating to the wiper parking zone when needed while maintaining overall system compatibility with standard voltage supplies.
2Power
If collection conductors are arranged along the two longer pane edges to minimize current path length, then the wiper parking zone heating power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating a dedicated third heating zone specifically for the wiper parking zone with its own current path and heating characteristics. This zone is optimized locally for the specific requirements of the wiper parking area, ensuring adequate heating power is delivered to this critical region regardless of the overall pane dimensions or collector conductor arrangement.
3Power
If additional heating elements are added to heat the wiper parking zone, then the lower collection conductor becomes additionally loaded with current
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent zones with separate current paths. The third heating zone for the wiper parking zone is electrically independent from the first and second heating zones, allowing it to draw current through its own dedicated path rather than adding to the load on the lower collection conductor. This segmentation eliminates the current loading problem while providing the necessary heating power.
4Illumination intensity
If the heating layer extends over the entire pane surface, then electromagnetic radiation transmission is restricted, but reducing heating coverage compromises heating effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The heating layer is applied selectively to specific zones where heating is required (first heating zone, second heating zone, and third heating zone) rather than covering the entire pane surface. This local application maintains high electromagnetic radiation transmission in non-heating areas while concentrating heating power where needed, particularly in the wiper parking zone.
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 design ensures effective heating of the wiper parking zone even at low temperatures, with adaptable heating power and reduced production defects, while maintaining high transmittance and electrical conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
by means of the heat generated by the heating layer, condensed moisture, ice, and snow can be removed in a short time
Implementation Method 2
A transparent pane design featuring an electrically conductive, heatable coating bonded to a thermoplastic intermediate layer
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent pane, having at least one heatable, electrically conductive coating connected to at least two collection electrodes, provided for electrically connecting to a supply voltage to generate a heating current that flows across a heating field formed between the at least two collection electrodes is described. The heating field includes at least one communication window free from the heatable, electrically conductive coating. The transparent pane further includes at least one heatable, electrically conductive coating. The additional electrode is connected to one of the two collection electrodes via a respective current supply line.