Windshield Weakening Zone for Pedestrian Impact Energy Absorption

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific weakened zone in the lower portion of the windshield where impact with vulnerable road users is most likely to occur. This is achieved through a gradient in the glass structure, with a first layer having different properties than a second layer, allowing the windshield to be strong overall for passenger protection while having a specific region that is more compliant for pedestrian safety.

The windshield is segmented into multiple layers with different structural properties. The patent describes a multi-layer glass structure where at least one layer has a gradient in its properties, creating distinct zones within the windshield that serve different safety functions - the upper portions maintain strength for occupant protection while lower portions are designed to be more compliant for vulnerable road user safety.

The patent merges the safety function directly into the windshield structure itself rather than adding separate components. The weakened zone and gradient glass structure are integrated into the windshield's core architecture, eliminating the need for additional external safety devices that would obstruct the driver's view while still providing the required protection function.

The patent extracts the safety function from separate additive components and embeds it directly into the windshield's structural design. By incorporating the compliance zone and gradient structure into the windshield itself, the solution avoids adding external elements that would block the driver's field of view while maintaining the protective function.