Laminated Windshield Terminal Layout for Strength and Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshields using lead-free solder for terminal attachment experience reduced breaking strength due to residual stress and visibility issues of the feeding portion, which affects the structural integrity and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glass windshield design where the conductor's feeding portion is formed directly on the glass plate without a light-shielding layer, with lead-free solder jointed to the terminal, and covered by a light-shielding layer on the opposite side, enhancing wettability and joining strength while maintaining concealment from external visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the feeding portion is formed on a light-shielding layer, then the feeding portion is hidden from external view, but the breaking strength of the glass plate decreases when joined with lead-free solder
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is divided into two distinct portions: the feeding portion formed directly on the glass plate without light-shielding layer, and the electric function portion formed on the light-shielding layer. This segmentation allows the feeding portion to have optimal mechanical properties for solder joining while the electric function portion maintains electrical functionality and aesthetic concealment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the conductor have different structural qualities: the feeding portion has direct glass plate contact for strength, while the electric function portion is on the light-shielding layer for concealment. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between visibility and strength requirements.
2Reliability
If lead-free solder is used for terminal attachment, then environmental concerns are addressed, but residual stress reduces breaking strength of the glass plate
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding portion is designed with direct glass plate contact and optimized geometry before solder attachment, creating a stress-absorbing structure that cushions the residual stress from lead-free solder joining, preventing crack propagation in the glass plate.
3Ease of manufacture
If the feeding portion is made thicker for terminal attachment, then joining capability is improved, but visibility from outside the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is segmented into feeding portion and electric function portion, allowing the feeding portion to have sufficient thickness for terminal attachment while the electric function portion remains on the light-shielding layer for aesthetic concealment from external view.
4Ease of manufacture
If the electric heating wire is made thinner to be invisible, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but heating capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electric heating wire within the light-transmitting portion is designed with thin profile for aesthetic invisibility, while the feeding portion outside the light-transmitting portion has sufficient thickness for terminal attachment. The light-shielding layer provides thermal insulation to maintain heating efficiency despite the thin wire profile.
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 configuration increases the breaking strength of the glass plate after terminal attachment and ensures the feeding portion remains hidden from external view, addressing both structural and aesthetic concerns.
Implementation Method 1
the terminal being joined onto the terminal joint portion of the conductor with lead-free solder interposed therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a first light-shielding layer is formed on a surface of the first glass plate, the first light-shielding layer covering the feeding portion of the conductor in a plan view
Implementation Method 3
a laminated glass in which a first glass plate and a second glass plate are bonded together with an intermediate film interposed therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield for vehicle including: a laminated glass including: a first glass plate; and a glass plate with a terminal having a second glass plate, a conductor having a terminal joint portion, and a terminal joined onto the terminal joint portion with lead-free solder interposed therebetween, in which: in the conductor, a feeding portion including a terminal joint portion is formed directly on the second glass plate; a first light-shielding layer is formed on a first glass plate, the first light-shielding layer covering a feeding portion of a conductor; and a second light-shielding layer is formed on the glass plate with the terminal, the second light-shielding layer covering at least a part of the conductor except for the feeding portion.