Windshield Light Sensor Integration With Angle-Selective Hologram
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle light sensors are typically installed as add-on parts, which can be cumbersome and costly, and existing integrated solutions in windshields lack simplicity and economic viability, with a need for improved light detection and angle-dependent diffraction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A composite vehicle pane with an integrated light sensor, featuring a thermoplastic intermediate layer and a holographic optical element for incident-angle-dependent diffraction, where the light sensor is laminated between the outer and inner panes, allowing for efficient light detection and automatic control of vehicle headlights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light sensors are installed as add-on parts on the interior-side surface of the windshield, then the light detection function is achieved, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light sensor with the windshield structure by laminating the sensor between the outer and inner panes during the windshield manufacturing process. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, adhesives, and wiring harnesses required by conventional add-on installations, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable light detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, thermal insulation, and now also houses the light sensor for ambient light detection. By making the windshield a multi-functional component that incorporates the sensor, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated sensor mounting structures, reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a light sensor is laminated into the windshield between outer and inner panes, then subsequent mounting is eliminated, but the structural complexity of the composite pane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor is pre-positioned and laminated into the windshield structure during the manufacturing process rather than being mounted later. This preliminary integration means that the sensor is already in its final position when the windshield is assembled, eliminating subsequent mounting operations and simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow despite the increased composite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensor is nested within the layered structure of the composite windshield, specifically positioned between the outer and inner panes. This nesting approach allows the sensor to be embedded within the existing composite structure without requiring additional external mounting components, thereby easing manufacturing while managing structural complexity through efficient space utilization.
3Measurement precision
If a holographic optical element is added for incident-angle-dependent diffraction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the holographic optical element's ability to change light propagation parameters (direction and angle) based on the incident light's characteristics. By leveraging this parameter-changing capability, the system achieves accurate angle-dependent measurements without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms or multiple separate optical components, thereby managing device complexity while improving measurement precision.
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 a cost-effective, compact, and efficient means to determine ambient light conditions, enabling automatic control of vehicle lighting and enhancing driver convenience by integrating light sensors directly into the vehicle's windshield, improving light detection and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an outer pane and an inner pane that are joined to one another via at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer
Implementation Method 2
a holographic optical element is arranged between the light-sensitive surface and the outer pane, and the holographic optical element is implemented as a hologram for incident-angle-dependent diffraction of incident light
Implementation Method 3
at least one light sensor with at least one light-sensitive surface that is arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane
Data Source
AI summary
A composite pane and in particular a composite vehicle pane with an integrated light sensor, includes an outer pane and an inner pane that are joined to one another via at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer, and at least one light sensor with at least one light-sensitive surface that is arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane, wherein the light-sensitive surface faces the outer pane and a holographic optical element is arranged between the light-sensitive surface and the outer pane, and the holographic optical element is implemented as a hologram for incident-angle-dependent diffraction of the incident light.