Windshield Protector Structure for Sensor-Safe Impact and UV Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield protective solutions fail to prevent cracks and shattering, interfere with vehicle sensors, and are not effective against UV radiation and extreme heat, while also being costly to replace or repair.
Innovation Solution
A windshield protective device comprising a clear tempered glass layer, an optical PET film, an adhesive layer, and strategically placed notches to allow sensor operation and UV protection, with a silicone adhesive for durability and self-healing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a protective vinyl-like film is applied to the windshield, then scratches and surface damage are prevented, but the windshield remains vulnerable to cracks and shattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a tempered glass layer with a vinyl-like film layer. The tempered glass layer provides crack and shatter protection while the vinyl-like film layer provides scratch resistance. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by integrating two different materials that each address specific protection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a tempered glass layer for structural integrity and crack resistance, and a vinyl-like film layer for surface scratch protection. By dividing the protective function into separate layers, each layer can be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If extra protective layers are added to the windshield, then protection from debris and environmental factors is improved, but sensor signals are interfered with causing faulty readings
Solution Approach 1:
The vinyl-like film is designed with varying properties in different regions. The film thickness and material composition are optimized locally to allow sensor signals to pass through certain areas while providing protection in other areas. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The vinyl-like film acts as an intermediary layer that is specifically designed to be transparent to certain signal frequencies used by automotive sensors. This intermediary material provides physical protection while maintaining signal transmission, resolving the contradiction between debris protection and sensor accuracy.
3Strength
If a protective film is applied to the windshield, then scratch protection is provided, but UV radiation protection is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protective functions into a single integrated protective system. The vinyl-like film is combined with UV-blocking layers or treated with UV-inhibiting substances, so that the same layer that provides scratch resistance also provides UV radiation protection. This merging eliminates the need for separate protection layers.
4Strength
If a protective film is applied to the windshield, then surface protection is improved, but the film is affected by extreme heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thermal properties of the protective film by selecting materials with high heat resistance or by applying heat-resistant coatings. The vinyl-like film is formulated to maintain its protective properties at extreme temperatures, resolving the contradiction between surface protection and heat resistance through parameter optimization.
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 effectively protects windshields from impacts, UV radiation, and internal stresses, maintains sensor functionality, and reduces the risk of shattering, while being removable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a clear tempered glass layer
Implementation Method 2
optical PET film disposed adjacent the clear tempered glass layer
Implementation Method 3
an adhesive layer applied to the optical PET film
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield protective device having a notch for accommodating a radars, sensors, and RFID transponders, a protective top layer that is removable and prevents damage to the windshield protective device during transportation and installation, a clear tempered glass layer that provides strength and durability, an optical PET film that enhances the visibility and clarity of the windshield, a silicon adhesive layer that adheres the windshield protective device to the windshield without leaving any residue, and a protective backing that covers the adhesive layer until it is ready to be applied. The windshield protective device protects the windshield from scratches, cracks, chips, and other damages caused by road debris, weather conditions, or vandalism.