Luminous Laminated Vehicle Glazing With Optical Insulating Interlayer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luminous vehicle glazing technologies face challenges in efficiently extracting light from light guides while maintaining mechanical integrity and optical clarity, particularly in curved designs.

Innovation Solution

A laminated glazing structure with a cross-linked polymer optical insulating layer between glass sheets, optically isolating the second sheet and enhancing light guidance, combined with means for extracting guided light, using adhesive layers to ensure mechanical efficiency and transparency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If an optical insulating layer is introduced to improve light extraction, then light guidance is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidglazing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and optimizing the refractive index of the optical insulating layer (with specific ranges provided: n1-n2 ≥ 0.08, and preferably n1-n2 ≥ 0.15) to maximize light extraction efficiency. This quantitative parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving improved illumination without requiring complex structural modifications beyond the interlayer composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the optical insulating layer with the polymer laminate interlayer, creating a multi-functional composite structure. The optical insulating layer (with specific refractive index properties) is integrated within the interlayer assembly, allowing simultaneous achievement of optical isolation, light guidance enhancement, and mechanical bonding functions without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If the optical insulating layer thickness is increased to improve optical isolation, then light guidance is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical isolation efficiencyVSAvoidlayer thickness control
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise thickness parameters for the optical insulating layer (d1 ≥ 600 nm, and preferably d1 ≥ 1 μm) to achieve effective optical isolation. These quantified parameters provide clear manufacturing targets that balance optical performance with manufacturability, resolving the contradiction by establishing specific thickness ranges that ensure both optical isolation efficiency and reasonable manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If a fluoropolymer-based film is used for the optical insulating layer to improve light extraction, then illumination intensity is enhanced, but the material selection constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise refractive index parameters for fluoropolymer-based films (n2 such that n1-n2 ≥ 0.08) to achieve effective optical isolation and light extraction. This quantitative parameter specification resolves the contradiction by providing clear material selection criteria that ensure optimal optical performance while maintaining reasonable flexibility in choosing from various fluoropolymer materials that meet the refractive index requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Illumination intensity

If the glass sheet thickness is reduced to improve overall glazing transparency, then optical clarity is enhanced, but the mechanical strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglazing transparencyVSAvoidglass sheet strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by integrating the optical insulating layer within the polymer laminate interlayer assembly, creating a multi-functional composite structure. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by providing mechanical reinforcement and optical functionality simultaneously, allowing reduced glass thickness for improved transparency while maintaining structural strength through the interlayer composite system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides improved light extraction and mechanical durability in curved vehicle glazing, maintaining high transparency and reducing optical absorption, suitable for vehicles with enhanced aesthetic and functional lighting capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an optical insulating layer (transparent), optically isolating the second pane from the first pane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical isolation: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The optical insulating layer is an adhesive layer made of cross-linked polymer material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

a light source in optical coupling with the second sheet forming a light guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4514606B1Luminous glazing for a vehicle, and production thereof
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE
  • EP4514606B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4514606B1 patent drawingFigure 2'~4
  • EP4514606B1 patent drawingFigure 4'~6

AI summary

The invention relates to luminous laminated glazing (100) for a vehicle, with an optical insulating layer forming all or part of the lamination interlayer (3).