Transparent Windshield Antenna with Integrated Heating and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle windshields with integrated electromagnetic radiation reception and transmission functions are limited by the need to minimize visible electrically conductive structures due to legal and design constraints, while also requiring additional functions like heating and moisture detection without compromising visibility or increasing structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A transparent, sheet-like device featuring a dielectric substrate with a visually imperceptible or barely perceptible electrically conductive linear structure that functions as an antenna for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic radiation, while also measuring temperature, capacitance, or inductance, and serving as a heating field or moisture sensor, produced using methods common in glass and electronic component manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrically conductive structures are added to the windshield to enable electromagnetic radiation reception and transmission, then the antenna function is achieved, but the visual clarity and transparency of the windshield deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a thin film structure containing the electrically conductive pattern. The conductive elements are embedded within or deposited on a transparent substrate that is thin enough to maintain optical clarity while providing the necessary electrical conductivity for antenna functionality. This resolves the contradiction by making the conductive structure visually imperceptible or barely perceptible while preserving electromagnetic radiation reception capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by creating localized conductive patterns only in specific areas of the windshield where antenna functionality is needed, rather than making the entire windshield conductive. The conductive structures are strategically positioned and dimensioned (with line widths of 10-500 μm) to provide adequate electrical performance while minimizing visual impact in critical viewing areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrically conductive structures are integrated into the windshield to provide multiple functions (antenna, heating, sensing), then functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity and visual obstruction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by designing a single integrated transparent device that simultaneously performs multiple functions: electromagnetic radiation reception (antenna), heating (through resistive heating of the conductive pattern), and sensing (capacitive or resistive sensing for rain/dew detection). The same electrically conductive structure embedded in the transparent substrate serves all these purposes, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by merging multiple functional elements into a single integrated structure. The conductive pattern is designed to serve multiple purposes simultaneously - the same trace that receives electromagnetic signals also provides heating capability and sensing functionality. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components, simplifies installation, and maintains visual clarity.
3Reliability
If the diameter of the linear electrical conductor is increased to improve electromagnetic radiation reception, then the antenna efficiency is improved, but the visual perceptibility of the conductor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by optimizing the dimensional parameters of the conductive structure, specifically setting the line width or diameter within the range of 10-500 μm. This parameter selection represents a compromise that provides sufficient electrical conductivity and antenna efficiency while remaining below the threshold of human visual perception or making the structure barely perceptible. The conductive material's electrical properties are also optimized to compensate for the reduced cross-sectional area.
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 solution allows for efficient electromagnetic radiation handling and additional functional capabilities like heating and moisture detection without being visually obstructive, suitable for various transportation and building applications, and can be produced simply and reproducibly.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent, sheet-like device for receiving and / or transmitting electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
to keep the area for cameras and sensors free of ice and fog as heating fields
Implementation Method 3
to control the wiper intervals as a capacitive rain sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device has a flat, transparent, dielectric substrate (A) and a transparent and an electrically conductive linear structure in contact with a main surface of the substrate as a receiving part (B) or transmitting part. A connection (C) is provided for decoupling the received or coupling the transmitted electromagnetic radiation. A frequency filter (D) is electrically connected with the connection. An electric or electronic component is electrically connected with the frequency filter to measure or change a physical property in the area of the receiving or transmitting part.