Transparent Window Glass Heating Films for Targeted Defrosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window-glass heating devices for vehicles struggle to provide adequate heat to specific areas, such as A-pillars and windshield wiper positions, leading to reduced visibility due to the limitations of resistance-heating wires and air conditioning systems, which either restrict heat distribution or increase interior temperature.
Innovation Solution
A window-glass heating device comprising transparent or semi-transparent heat generating films on the central and peripheral areas of the windshield, with independent control of heat distribution based on temperature differences and operational inputs, allowing for targeted heating of specific areas and efficient defogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If resistance-heating wire is used to provide large amount of heat, then heating effectiveness is improved, but visibility is deteriorated due to opacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from opaque resistance-heating wire to transparent or semi-transparent heat generating film, maintaining heating functionality while improving visibility. The film's optical properties are specifically selected to be transparent in the visible light range while maintaining electrical conductivity for heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure combining transparent conductive film with heating functionality. The heat generating film is formed as a composite structure that integrates electrical conductivity, transparency, and heating capability, replacing traditional opaque heating elements.
2Productivity
If air conditioner blows hot air to provide localized heat, then heating efficiency is improved, but heated area is restricted due to jet placement limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating function into multiple independent heat generating films positioned at different locations (central region and peripheral areas including A-pillars). Each film can be independently controlled to provide heat to specific zones, enabling both localized and comprehensive heating coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional hot air convection heating to two-dimensional surface contact heating through films attached directly to the glass. This allows heat to be distributed across the entire surface area including peripheral regions that are difficult to reach with air jets.
3Power
If heating wire density is increased to provide adequate heat, then heating capability is improved, but visibility is reduced due to increased opacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental material parameter from wire-based heating to film-based heating. The film structure allows for continuous coverage without the need for dense wire arrangements, providing adequate heating capability while maintaining transparency in the visible spectrum.
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 effectively melts ice lumps, prevents wiper freezing, and maintains driver visibility by providing precise heat control, improving energy efficiency and reducing the need for direct hot air heating, while maintaining a comfortable interior environment.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generating film being transparent or semi-transparent and attached on an area including a central region of an automotive window glass
Data Source
AI summary
A window-glass heating device for providing each adequate heat amount in accordance with each parts of the glass and for securing the good visibility to a driver, comprises: a first heater having a transparent heating film attached on the whole surface of the vehicle window glass; a second heater having a transparent heating film attached on a part of the surface of the vehicle window glass and being arranged at least overlapped with the first heater; a heating-requirement detector for detecting at least one of heating requirements such as the outside temperature, the inside temperature and any input through the operational equipments of vehicle inside; and a heating controller for controlling heat amount of the first and second heaters depending on the heating requirement.