UV Reflecting Coating on IG Window for Bird Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulating glass window units are not visible to birds, leading to significant collisions and deaths, as existing solutions like nets and decals are ineffective or aesthetically unsuitable.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a patterned ultraviolet (UV) reflecting coating on at least one glass substrate of the insulating glass window unit, which reflects UV radiation without affecting infrared reflection, making the window more visible to birds while maintaining high visible transmission and blocking a substantial portion of UV radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional IG window units are used, then aesthetic appearance and manufacturing simplicity are maintained, but birds cannot see the windows leading to collisions and deaths
Solution Approach 1:
The UV reflecting coating is applied only to specific portions of the glass substrate rather than the entire surface. This segmentation allows the coating to provide bird visibility enhancement where needed while leaving other areas clear for aesthetic purposes, thus resolving the contradiction between bird collision prevention and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the glass substrate are given different properties: some areas have UV reflecting coating for bird visibility, while other areas remain clear for aesthetics. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing bird safety functionality only where necessary rather than uniformly across the entire window
2Reliability
If UV reflecting coating is applied to make windows visible to birds, then bird collision prevention is improved, but the coating structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is segmented to be applied only to specific portions of the glass substrate. This reduces the overall manufacturing complexity compared to applying coating to the entire surface, while still achieving bird collision prevention. The segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing processes such as selective masking or zone-specific deposition
Solution Approach 2:
The UV reflecting coating serves multiple functions: it reflects UV radiation to make the window visible to birds, and can be integrated with existing IG window manufacturing processes. This multi-functionality improves ease of manufacture by combining bird safety with standard window production
3Reliability
If patterned UV reflecting coating is used, then bird visibility is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is divided into discrete segments or zones on the glass substrate. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing precision requirements compared to creating complex continuous patterns, as each segment can be applied independently with standard tolerances. The segmented approach maintains bird visibility enhancement while reducing manufacturing precision demands
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than requiring precise full-coverage patterning, the invention uses partial action by applying coating only to sufficient portions of the glass to achieve bird visibility. This partial approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements while still providing the necessary bird safety functionality
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 UV reflecting coating significantly increases the window's visibility to birds, reducing collisions and deaths by enhancing UV reflectance beyond uncoated glass limits, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and IR blocking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the substrates supports a patterned ultraviolet (UV) reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation so that birds are capable of more easily seeing the window
Implementation Method 2
the UV reflecting coating comprises first, second, third, and fourth layers in this order moving away from the first glass substrate, and wherein the first and third layers are high index layers having a refractive index of at least about 2.25 and the second and fourth layers are low index layers having a refractive index of no greater than 1.8
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a window designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. In certain example embodiments, the window may include an insulating glass (IG) window unit having first and second substrates spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one of the substrates supports an ultraviolet (UV) reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation so that birds are capable of more easily seeing the window. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions and thus bird deaths can be reduced.