Transparent Window Sensor Laminate for Vehicle 3D Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoelectric monitoring systems in vehicles face challenges in being discreetly located while maintaining a good line of sight, and there is a need for systems that can be easily deployed in different vehicle types and provide 3D mapping of spaces inside and outside vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system with photoelectric sensor elements integrated into a transparent laminate structure, comprising a carrier layer between two transparent layers, allowing sensors to be spread across a large surface for optimal positioning and 3D mapping, using triangulation, structured light, or time-of-flight methods, with flexible wiring for power and signal distribution, and embedded or mounted sensors for thinness and imperceptibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photoelectric sensor systems are integrated into vehicle interiors, then monitoring functionality and driver assistance are improved, but the systems become visible and less discrete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the photoelectric sensor system with the vehicle's window glass by integrating sensor elements into the laminate structure of the glass. This combination allows the monitoring system to be embedded within the existing transparent component, making it invisible while maintaining full functionality for driver assistance and space monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent carrier layer and laminate structure serve as an intermediary medium that houses the sensor elements. This intermediary structure allows the sensors to be positioned within the glass layers, using the glass itself as the mounting substrate and providing both structural support and optical transparency.
2Measurement precision
If sensor systems are positioned for optimal line of sight, then monitoring precision is improved, but the systems become less adaptable to different vehicle types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sensor system that can be deployed across different vehicle types by integrating sensors into the window glass, which is a common component across various vehicle models. The system can monitor both interior and exterior spaces, providing multi-functional capability that adapts to different vehicle configurations without requiring custom positioning for each vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional sensor placement on surfaces to three-dimensional integration within the laminate structure of the glass. This dimensional change allows sensors to be positioned at multiple depths and angles within the glass layers, providing optimal line of sight while maintaining adaptability to different vehicle geometries.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are distributed across large surfaces, then 3D mapping capability is improved, but the number of components and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor elements, conductor layers, and protective layers into a single integrated laminate structure. The conductor layers are embedded within the laminate, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and reducing the complexity of connecting distributed sensor elements across large glass surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent carrier layer and laminate structure serve as an intermediary substrate that provides both mechanical support and electrical connectivity pathways. The conductor layers embedded in the laminate act as intermediaries for signal transmission between distributed sensors, reducing the need for complex external wiring.
4Illumination intensity
If sensors are embedded in the laminate structure, then transparency and aesthetics are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensor elements and conductor layers into the laminate structure during the glass manufacturing process, before the final product is assembled. This preliminary integration allows sensors to be embedded within the glass layers themselves, maintaining transparency while avoiding complex post-manufacturing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite laminate materials that combine transparent glass layers with embedded conductor layers and sensor elements. This composite structure maintains the optical properties of glass while integrating functional components, achieving both transparency and sensor functionality through material composition rather than surface mounting.
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 system enables effective 3D mapping and monitoring of vehicle interiors and exteriors with minimal visibility impact, facilitating easy deployment across various vehicle types and enhancing safety features like driver recognition and door control.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor elements (30) are configured to monitor a space using at least one of triangulation, structured light and time-of-flight
Implementation Method 2
The sensor elements (30) are configured to monitor a space using at least one of triangulation, structured light and time-of-flight
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of photoelectric sensor elements (30) adapted to generate a 3-dimensional mapping of objects in said space, said sensor elements being electrically connected to a substantially transparent carrier layer (90) adapted to be disposed between first and second substantially transparent layers (70, 80)
Data Source
AI summary
Monitoring system is proposed for monitoring the space inside and/or outside a motor vehicle. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of photoelectric sensor elements adapted to generate a 3-dimensional mapping of objects in said space, sensor elements being electrically connected to a substantially transparent carrier layer adapted to be disposed between first and second substantially transparent layers to form substantially transparent laminate structure for use in one or more windows and/or roof panel of said motor vehicle.