Triple Silver Low-E Coating for Laminated Automotive Glass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-e coatings for automotive windshields lack thermal processability, electrical conductivity, and compatibility with head-up display applications, limiting their ability to be used in laminated automotive glasses.
Innovation Solution
A triple silver low-e coating with heatable and electrically conductive properties is developed, featuring a specific layered structure including dielectric and functional layers, optimized for application on the second or third surface of laminated automobile glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional low-e coating is applied on automotive glass, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but thermal processability and electrical conductivity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a multi-layer coating structure comprising alternating dielectric layers (SiO2, Si3N4, TiO2) and functional silver layers. This composite structure combines the thermal insulation properties of dielectric materials with the electrical conductivity and thermal processability of silver, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and adaptability. The specific layer configuration enables both low-e thermal insulation performance and compatibility with head-up display applications requiring electrical conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a coating that simultaneously provides multiple functions: thermal insulation (low-e effect), electrical conductivity (for heating and HUD applications), and thermal processability (compatibility with lamination processes). The multi-layer structure with silver functional layers enables the coating to serve both architectural/automotive insulation purposes and electronic display purposes, making it adaptable to diverse application requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If silver layers are added to improve electrical conductivity and thermal processability, then visibility and optical performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning silver functional layers at specific locations within the multi-layer structure, sandwiched between dielectric layers. This local placement of conductive material provides electrical conductivity and thermal processability only where needed, while the surrounding dielectric layers maintain high visible light transmittance. The selective positioning resolves the contradiction between adding functionality and preserving optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite multi-layer structure combines materials with complementary properties: dielectric layers (SiO2, Si3N4, TiO2) provide optical transparency and thermal insulation, while thin silver layers provide electrical conductivity and thermal processability. The composite nature allows each material to contribute its strengths without the negatives, achieving both high visible transmittance and functional conductivity.
3Reliability
If complex multi-layer structure is created to achieve desired properties, then manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coating into distinct functional segments: dielectric layers for optical and thermal performance, and silver functional layers for electrical conductivity and thermal processability. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function, achieving reliable overall performance while maintaining a structured, manageable complexity that can be manufactured using sequential sputtering processes.
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 triple silver low-e coating achieves a Tvis value between 64% and 78%, provides improved electrical conductivity, and maintains high visible light transmittance, making it suitable for thermal insulation and head-up display applications in automotive glass.
Implementation Method 1
the ingredient of said low-e coating (20) and the application thereof... providing reflection (lower transmission) of thermal radiation in the infrared spectrum
Implementation Method 2
Magnetron sputtering process is a well-known coating application which takes place in vacuum environment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to a triple silver low-e coating and developed with electrically conductive and heatable characteristic in order to be used on the second or third surfaces of laminated automobile glasses.