Optical-Grade Tempered Glass Sensor Enclosure for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor enclosures in vehicle applications face challenges in maintaining signal integrity and safety during collisions, as conventional glass materials can degrade signal quality and pose hazards when broken.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical-grade tempered glass panels, potentially laminated with a transparent interlayer, is integrated into sensor enclosures to enhance signal transmission and safety by minimizing signal degradation and ensuring the glass breaks into smaller, less hazardous pieces during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional glass materials are used in sensor enclosures, then the enclosure provides basic protection and structural integrity, but signal quality degrades and safety hazards arise when glass breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming conventional glass into optical-grade tempered glass through thermal treatment processes. This changes the physical and optical parameters of the glass, including its molecular structure, refractive index, and mechanical properties, thereby improving signal transmission while maintaining safety characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating a laminated glass structure consisting of multiple glass layers bonded with polymer interlayers. This composite construction combines the optical properties of glass with the flexibility and safety characteristics of polymer materials, achieving both signal integrity and enhanced safety
2Reliability
If optical-grade tempered glass panels are used to maintain signal integrity, then signal transmission is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing tempering and optical quality optimization during the glass manufacturing process itself, rather than as a separate post-processing step. This integrated approach establishes the required optical and mechanical properties early in production, simplifying subsequent manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes through controlled thermal processes during manufacturing that permanently alter the glass structure to achieve optimal optical transmission properties. These one-time parameter changes during production eliminate the need for complex ongoing adjustments or quality control measures
3Object-affected harmful factors
If glass is tempered to break into smaller pieces for safety, then safety during collisions is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes through thermal tempering processes that modify the internal stress distribution and molecular structure of the glass. This transformation is achieved through controlled heating and cooling cycles that create compressive stresses on the surface, causing the glass to fragment safely upon breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by laminating tempered glass layers with flexible polymer interlayers. This composite structure provides the safety benefit of tempered glass while the polymer layers add flexibility and further control breakage patterns, creating a more forgiving safety system
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 solution maintains signal integrity for sensors like cameras and lidar systems while providing enhanced safety by reducing the risk of injury from broken glass, ensuring reliable operation and occupant protection in vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical-grade tempered glass panel that is connected to the housing... maintains signal integrity for sensors like cameras and lidar systems
Implementation Method 2
optical-grade tempered glass panels... ensuring the glass breaks into smaller, less hazardous pieces during collisions
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an exterior body panel, an opening formed through the exterior body panel, a housing that is connected to the exterior body panel, wherein the housing includes side walls that extend around an enclosed space and an open front portion that is positioned at the opening formed through the exterior body panel, an optical-grade tempered glass panel that is connected to the housing and positioned at the opening that is formed through the exterior body panel, an emissive sensor component that is located in the enclosed space that is defined by the housing and the optical-grade tempered glass panel, and a receptive sensor component that is located in the enclosed space that is defined by the housing and the optical-grade tempered glass panel.