Laminated Vehicle Window Masking for Hidden Light Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle windows require additional cover elements to conceal functional components, which complicate assembly and risk detachment over time.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle window design incorporating an opaque masking element adjacent to the intermediate layer, integrated with the window panes during lamination, to conceal light coupling areas without additional assembly steps and ensure long-term fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If separate cover elements are attached to the vehicle window to conceal functional components, then the visual appearance is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and the cover elements may detach over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the masking element with the intermediate layer into a single integrated component. The masking element is applied directly to the intermediate layer during the lamination process, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining the visual concealment function while simplifying assembly and ensuring long-term fixation without detachment risks.
2Shape
If separate cover elements are attached to the vehicle window, then functional components are concealed, but additional assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The masking element is applied to the intermediate layer before the final lamination process, during the preliminary stages of window assembly. This preliminary action allows the masking element to be positioned and fixed simultaneously with the intermediate layer bonding, eliminating subsequent attachment steps and reducing overall assembly time while maintaining effective concealment of functional components.
3Shape
If separate cover elements are used to mask functional areas, then light coupling areas are concealed, but the cover elements risk coming loose during service life
Solution Approach 1:
The masking element is merged with the intermediate layer through direct application during lamination, creating a unified structure where the masking element becomes an integral part of the window assembly. This merging ensures that the masking element is subjected to the same bonding forces and structural integrity as the intermediate layer itself, eliminating the risk of detachment that plagues separately attached cover elements throughout the vehicle's service life.
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 integrated opaque masking element effectively hides functional components, simplifying installation and ensuring a durable, seamless integration with the window panes.
Implementation Method 1
The integrated opaque masking element effectively hides functional components, simplifying installation and ensuring a durable, seamless integration with the window panes
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate layer disposed between the outer window pane and the inner window pane
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle window having an outer window pane, an inner window pane, an intermediate layer disposed between the outer window pane and the inner window pane and a switchable layer. The vehicle window may have an opaque masking element disposed laterally next to the intermediate layer, the opaque masking element covering at least a light coupling area of the inner window pane at which light of a light source can be coupled into the inner window pane. Furthermore, a vehicle having such a vehicle window is provided.