Laminated Windshield Interlayer Zoning for LiDAR IR Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glass configurations, particularly laminated glazing in vehicles, interfere with the operation of advanced infrared-based LiDAR sensors due to insufficient infrared transmission, posing a challenge for their integration in autonomous vehicles where high transparency is required for proper sensor operation.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glazing system with a thermoplastic interlayer comprising distinct zones, where the second zone has higher infrared transmission than the first zone, allowing for the integration of LiDAR sensors behind the windshield with minimal design changes and enhanced safety, using materials like polyvinyl butyral (PVB) for the main surface and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or cyclic olefin polymer (COP) in specific areas for improved infrared transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional laminated glazing is used, then mechanical strength and safety are improved, but infrared transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific zone (second zone) within the interlayer that has different optical properties from the rest of the interlayer. This second zone, positioned behind the optical sensor, uses materials or structures that allow infrared transmission while the rest of the interlayer maintains its mechanical strength and safety functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlayer is segmented into different functional zones: a first zone for mechanical strength and safety, and a second zone for infrared transmission. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Temperature
If thermic glass or coated glass is used, then thermal comfort is improved, but compatibility with LiDAR sensors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized zone with specific optical properties that allows LiDAR sensors to function properly while the rest of the glass maintains its thermal comfort properties through thermic glass or coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the second zone in the interlayer) that mediates between the conflicting requirements of thermal comfort and LiDAR compatibility, allowing both functions to coexist.
3Shape
If LiDAR sensors are integrated behind the windshield, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but infrared signal transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized transparent zone directly behind the optical sensor that allows infrared signals to pass through while maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance of the laminated glazing.
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform interlayer material is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but infrared transmission performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a localized second zone with different material properties than the rest of the interlayer. This zone is positioned specifically behind the optical sensor to provide the necessary infrared transmission while minimizing impact on manufacturing complexity.
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
Enables the effective operation of LiDAR sensors by ensuring sufficient infrared signal transmission, maintaining aesthetic and mechanical integrity, and reducing the risk of collisions by providing precise 3D mapping of the vehicle's surroundings, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency in autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the second zone has higher infrared transmission than the first zone, allowing for the integration of LiDAR sensors behind the windshield
Implementation Method 2
LiDAR (also written Lidar, LIDAR or LADAR) is a technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with an infrared (IR) laser light. They are particularly scanning, rotating, flashing or solid state LiDARs. The scanning or rotating LiDARs are using moving lasers beams while flashing and solid state LiDAR emits light pulses which reflect off objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A laminated glazing with an optically transparent area including at least one inner and one outer glass sheet, each having an internal and an external face, and being high level of near infrared radiation transmission glass sheets, at least one thermoplastic interlayer to laminate the at least the inner and the outer glass sheets, including at least a first zone and a second zone, the second zone being delimited by the optically transparent area, and at least one optical sensor device provided on the inner face of the inner pane integrated in the optically transparent area. The thermoplastic interlayer further includes a second zone delimited by the optically transparent area where the laminated glazing has a value of infrared transmission TIR1 higher than the value of infrared transmission TIR2 of the first zone for the working wavelengths of the optical device.