In Situ Window Heating for Optical Distortion Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for repairing damaged transparent substrates like windows and windshields require removal from their installed position, leading to time-consuming and costly maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving controlled heating of both sides of the transparent substrate using heat sources, such as heat blankets and heat guns, in situ, to reduce distortion by maintaining surface temperatures between 160°F to 167°F for specific durations, monitored by thermocouples, to restore optical clarity without removing the substrate from its position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If windows and windshields are removed and replaced to repair damage, then repair quality is improved, but maintenance time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distortion removal process from the traditional replace-and-reinstall approach. By applying heat sources directly to the installed window or windshield, the distortion is removed in situ without extracting the component from its mounted position, thereby maintaining repair quality while eliminating removal and reinstallation time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat sources as an intermediary mechanism to remove distortion. Instead of mechanical removal and replacement, thermal energy serves as the mediator to relax and reshape the distorted transparent substrate while it remains installed, reducing maintenance time without compromising repair quality
2Manufacturing precision
If windows and windshields are removed and replaced to repair damage, then distortion is eliminated, but repair cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary heating and cooling operations from the complete replacement process. By applying controlled thermal cycles to the installed component, the distortion is eliminated without the additional costs of removal, handling, and reinstallation that accompany full replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the window or windshield to self-correct its distortion through controlled thermal processing while remaining in service. The component maintains its installed position throughout the repair process, eliminating the need for costly removal and reinstallation operations
3Loss of time
If heat is applied to remove distortion in situ, then maintenance time is reduced, but temperature control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal processing into distinct phases (heating to predetermined temperature, holding for predetermined time, controlled cooling) with specific temperature ranges and durations for each stage. This segmented approach simplifies control complexity by breaking down the overall process into manageable, well-defined steps that can be executed sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific parameter changes (temperature, time) to achieve distortion removal. By establishing predetermined temperature ranges and holding times, the complex thermal process is simplified into controllable parameter specifications that reduce operational complexity while maintaining effectiveness
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
This approach effectively reduces or eliminates distortion in transparent substrates by up to 100% while maintaining the substrate in its installed position, reducing maintenance time and costs, and is applicable to various transparent structures including multi-layered windshields and windows.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the surface temperature of the first and second sides of the transparent substrate in situ to a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
Some of the adverse degradation may include force induced distortion, or rippling causing varying visible degrees of optical distortion
Data Source
AI summary
Methods systems and apparatuses for reducing or substantially eliminating distortion in a transparent substrate in situ are disclosed.