Patent Description:
Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Currently RFID and NFC tags provided on the vehicle windshields in the form of stickers and used as a data storage device to store vehicle related data or information.

However, these RFID or NFC stickers come with several limitations. For instance, these stickers can be removed or tampered easily due to ageing, weathering, theft, or damage due resulting from external factors such as wind, rain, or vandalism. Moreover, it is very difficult to stick these stickers having the data transponders, once peeled off from the vehicle windshield. Thus results in wastage of these stickers. The other limitation is the durability of the antenna, which has the tendency to degrade in terms of readability over a period. As a result, vehicle operators must periodically replace or cover over expired stickers with new stickers. The difficulty of removing expired stickers is also a disadvantage, as it is difficult to remove adhesive or sticky residue or remnants of the sticker from the automobile glazing.

<CIT> discloses a data transponder comprising a glass panel and RFID device, which is at least partially embedded in the glass panel. In an embodiment, RFID device is disposed between adjacent ones of the glass layers and becomes embedded therein upon lamination of the glass layers together.

The above mentioned prior art primarily aimed at integrating an RFID transponder/device on the glass panel. US Patent '<NUM> neither discloses a heating element associated with RFID device nor discloses a NFC device. In addition to this, there are many significant drawbacks in this prior-art. Firstly, '<NUM> is not dealing with improving durability and data readability of the data transponders in harsh conditions such as colder weather conditions wherein temperature goes well below <NUM>. Moreover, the above mentioned prior art is not providing the ideal location for placing the data transponders within the laminated glazing. <CIT> represents the basis for the preamble of claim <NUM> and discloses a laminated glazing for a vehicle embedded with one or more circuit elements; at least one circuit element comprising an antenna and an integrated circuit, wherein the integrated circuit elements are configured to communicate data wirelessly.

As a result, it would be desirable to provide a windshield with data transponder devices having enhanced durability and data readability performance in extreme weather conditions. The current disclosure provides an effective way of enhancing durability of data transponders and data readability of these transponders by integrating a heating element in and around the region close to these data transponders.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The current disclosure provides a laminated glazing according to claim <NUM>. Claims <NUM>-<NUM> expose additional features for that laminated glazing.

According to the invention, one or more heating element <NUM> is provided between the first substrate 100a and the second substrate 100b, wherein the heating element <NUM> is positioned around the data transponder device <NUM> at a pre-defined distance therein.

The method of manufacturing a laminated glazing <NUM> is provided according to claim <NUM>.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention.

The present invention is now discussed in more detail referring to the drawings that accompany the present application. In the accompanying drawings, like and/or corresponding elements are referred to by like reference numbers.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. The present disclosure is to provide an improved automobile glazing incorporating other functions in addition to the usual one. The present disclosure further provides an improved automobile glazing embedded with one or more data transponders and more particularly to a laminated glazing with better readability performance of the data transponders with in extreme weather conditions.

<FIG> illustrates a laminated glazing <NUM> of the current disclosure embedded with a data transponder device. In an embodiment, the data transponder device is a near field communication (NFC) device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross section view of laminated glazing <NUM>. In an embodiment, one or both the first substrate 100a and second substrate 100b is a glass or a polymer. The polymer is polycarbonate (PC) or polypropylene (PP). The one or both the first substrate 100a and second substrate 100b can be of various shapes such as flat, curved, wedged or contoured. Optionally, at least the first substrate 100a, the second substrate 100b or both the first and the second substrate 100a, 100b may be strengthened either chemically or thermally. The first substrate 100a, the second substrate 100b or both the first and the second substrate 100a, 100b may have a thickness of at least <NUM>. One or more interlayers 100c provided between the first substrate 100a and second substrate 100b to form the laminated assembly. NFC device <NUM> is integrated between the first substrate 100a, second substrate 100b, or one or more interlayers 100c.

In an embodiment, one or more interlayers 100c may be made up of polymers with same or different mechanical and chemical properties. The one or more interlayers 100c comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly vinyl butyral (PVB), polycarbonate (PC), acoustic PVB, shade band PVB, thermal control PVB, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ionomer, a thermoplastic material, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylenevinylacetate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl fluorides (PVf), polyacrylate (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PUR) and combinations thereof.

The interlayers 100c either has uniform thickness throughout or nonuniform thickness. The interlayer 100c interlayers may have a thickness of at least <NUM>. Optionally, the interlayers 100c are modified to accommodate one or more data transponders such as NFC device <NUM> and RFID tag <NUM>.

Generally, the interlayer 100c is modified to assemble thicker data transponders in the laminated glazing <NUM>. The interlayer 100c is modified by either cutting, pressing, grinding, heating or combination thereof. The cutting of interlayer 100c is done manually or automatically by means of cutting fixtures. The grinding of interlayer 100c is done by means of abrasive wheel or pencil grinders which are electrically or pneumatically operated. Further, the interlayer 100c can be modified by heating. In this, the data transponder is disposed on the interlayer 100c by means of a hot stamping tool in which stamping is done by means of physical pressure and at a defined temperature. In some instances, the modification of interlayer 100c by heating method is also done by means of having an adhesive backing in the data transponder <NUM> along with hot stamping to ensure much higher bonding between interlayer 100c and the data transponder <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of a laminated glazing <NUM>. The laminated glazing <NUM> comprises first substrate 100a, second substrate 100b, two interlayers 100c and a NFC device <NUM>. The interlayers 100c are provided on the inner face of the first substrate 100a. The interlayers 100c is intermediate the first and second substrates 100a and 100b respectively.

<FIG> further illustrates NFC device <NUM> comprising of an antenna102a and an integrated circuit 102b. In an embodiment, the data transponder devices such as NFC device <NUM> and RFID tag <NUM> (not shown) is disposed between the first substrate 100a and the second substrate 100b, or integral to one or both the first substrate 100a and the second substrate 100b, or disposed between one or more interlayers 100c, or integral to one or more interlayers 100c. The data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM>% of interlayer 100c thickness. More specifically, the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> may has a thickness of at least <NUM> to <NUM>.

The operating frequency of NFC device <NUM> and RFID tag104 ranges in between <NUM> kilohertz (KHz) to <NUM> gigahertz (GHz). The data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> are either passive or active. The passive data transponder does not require a power supply whereas the data transponder which is active requires a power supply. The power transmission and communication is wireless.

The data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, conductive polymers, metal grids, carbon nanotubes (CNT) layer, graphene, transparent conductive oxides or conductive oxides. The metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, silver or platinum. The transparent conductive oxides are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide or indium tin oxide. The conductive polymers are selected from the group consisting of polyaniline or polyindoles.

The data transponder <NUM>, <NUM> comprises of a stack of layers consisting of a substrate, an antennae, a chip and an overlay, wherein the substrate and overlay are comprised of a glass or a polymer, wherein the polymer is selected from a group consisting of poly vinyl butyral (PVB), polycarbonate (PC), acoustic PVB, shade band PVB, thermal control PVB, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane and/or polyvinyl chloride and/or polyester and/or(TPU), ionomer, a thermoplastic material, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylenevinylacetate (PET) and/or polycarbonate and/or polypropylene and/or polyethylene and/or polyurethacrylate), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl fluorides (PVf), polyacrylate (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PUR) or combinations thereof.

The data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> are integrated in the laminated glazing <NUM> by printing, depositing or patching. The data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> can be directly printed onto the first or second substrate 100a, 100b or the interlayer 100c by means of screen printing with multiple layers onto one another. The data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> can also be deposited over the first or second substrate 100a, 100b directly either by physical vapor deposition coating or chemical vapor deposition coating. In some instances, the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> can be a separate thin film patch which can be fixed optionally by adhesive either on first or second substrate 100a, 100b or on the interlayer 100c.

Optionally, the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> are cured during the integration in the laminated glazing <NUM>. The curing of the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> can be done by infrared or ultraviolet rays.

In an embodiment, the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> comprises of antenna 102a, 104a and integrated circuit 102b, 104b. The antenna 102a, 104a and the integrated circuit 102b, 104b are coupled together. The antenna 102a, 104a are for receiving and transmitting signals. The integrated circuit 102b, 104b are for processing the information. The integrated circuit 102b, 104b comprises of a memory. The memory consists of a read-only portion and re-writable portion. The read-only portion store data which cannot be altered and the re-writable portion store data which can be altered. The integrated circuit 102b, 104b is in a form of a chip.

<FIG> illustrates a laminated glazing <NUM> for a vehicle herein, comprising of NFC device <NUM> and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag <NUM>. The laminated glazing <NUM> is provided with embedded data transponders such as NFC device <NUM> and RFID tag <NUM>. A heating element <NUM> is spaced around the embedded NFC device <NUM> and RFID tag <NUM> for rapidly heating the region around the antenna 102a and 102b of the data transponder. Typically, the heating element <NUM>, which provides rapid heating around a particular region, is made of a metal for conducting electricity. The heating element <NUM> is a sticker or screen-printed with conductive ink. In an embodiment, the heating element <NUM> is incorporated between the substrates 100a, 100b of the laminated glazing <NUM> and more specifically, the heating element <NUM> is provided on the interlayer 100c or in the inner face. The readability of data transponders such as NFC device <NUM> and RFID tag <NUM> are affected due to several external environmental factors such as fogging, icing etc., by having the heating element <NUM>, the performance of the data transponders in colder conditions are improved.

<FIG> illustrates a cross section view of laminated glazing <NUM>. One or both the first substrate 100a and second substrate 100b is a glass or a polymer. One or more interlayers 100c provided between the first substrate 100a and second substrate 100b to form the laminated assembly. The data transponder device <NUM> and <NUM> are integrated between the first substrate 100a, second substrate 100b, or one or more interlayers 100c.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of a laminated glazing <NUM>. The laminated glazing <NUM> comprises first substrate 100a, second substrate 100b, two interlayers 100c and data transponders such as NFC device <NUM> and/or RFID tag <NUM>. The interlayers 100c are provided on the inner face of the first substrate 100a. The interlayers 100c is intermediate the first and second substrates 100a and 100b respectively. The NFC device <NUM> comprises of an antenna 102a and an integrated circuit 102b. The RFID tag <NUM> comprises of an antenna 104a and an integrated circuit 104b. The heating element <NUM> provided between the first and the second substrate 100a and 100b respectively and spaced around the data transponder device such as NFC device <NUM> and RFID tag <NUM> for rapidly heating the antenna 102a and 104a respectively.

In an embodiment, the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> is adapted to provide data including but not limited to vehicle identification numbers (VIN), motor vehicle registration status, motor vehicle inspection status, insurance compliance status, amber alert, emission compliance status, speed, toll account information, global positioning system (GPS) data, location status, motor vehicle security/retrieval status, vehicle registration data, sensor data, safety certification data, emission control certification data, contact information, product identification number, anti-theft system, lock-unlock doors, power-on and engine starting and closing control, initiate connection to internet terminal, initiate communication with the Wi-Fi modules, changing modes of a mobile device based on external factors, switching on/off electronic devices.

In an alternate embodiment, the integration of the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> along with the laminated glazing <NUM> can be done by means of placing it along with the sun control film. The film can be installed on outer surface or the internal surface of the laminated glazing and can be placed in such a way that it can cover-up the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> embedded in the laminated glazing <NUM> so as to ensure its intact within.

In an embodiment, zone isolation for data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> in metal based coated laminated glazing is provided. The data transponder device <NUM>, <NUM> readability is significantly affected when it comes to be over the metal parts. It is always advisable to place the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> away from the metal surface to avoid readability issues. The laminated glazing <NUM> when coated with the metal oxide coating, the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> placed over may have issues with respect to readability. In order to avoid the issue, local isolation for data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> has been done. The ideal location for providing the isolation for data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> is the mirror button area which is placed away from the metal body of the vehicle. There are two zones where the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> can be placed. The one region is visible region and other one is invisible region behind the ceramic masking region <NUM>. The advantage of embedding the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> in the ceramic masking region <NUM> is to provide protection against the ultraviolet rays. <FIG> illustrates a plan view of a laminated glazing integrated with a data transponder device <NUM> in ceramic masking region <NUM>, which is located on the border regions of the windshield to provide ultraviolet protection to the data transponder device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross section view of a laminated glazing provided with an UV protection layer <NUM> to provide ultraviolet protection to the data transponder device <NUM>, <NUM> comprising epoxy resins with additives selected from a group consisting of acrylate-urethane based coatings, Titanium dioxide (Tio2), Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles embedded acrylic coatings, Aluminum fluoride (AlF3), Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (Na3AlF6), Magnesium fluoride (MgF2), Lanthanum trifluoride (LaF3), Gadolinium Fluoride (GdF3), or combinations thereof.

<FIG> illustrates a cross section view of a laminated glazing provided with an access-shielding layer <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to provide selective reading of the data transponder device <NUM>, <NUM> from outside/inside the vehicle depending on the location and arrangement of the access-shielding layer <NUM> and the detection device. This access-shielding layer <NUM> comprises of a material, which can reflect or absorb the radio waves to provide selective reading of the transponder device <NUM>, <NUM>. The accessibility of the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM> from one of the first or second substrate 100a / 100b may be obstructed so that the authorized user can only access the data transponder devices <NUM>, <NUM>. The accessibility of data transponders <NUM>, <NUM> is obstructed to maintain information privacy.

<FIG> illustrates the flowchart for a method of manufacturing a laminated glazing used in vehicles with data transponders embedded. Step <NUM> includes assembling the first and second substrate 100a, 100b to one or more interlayers 100c and the data transponder <NUM>, <NUM> to form an assembly. The step of assembling is selected from the group consisting of lamination, adhesive bonding, placing, and completion of the laminated glass pane. Step <NUM> includes de-airing the assembly to form a de-aired assembly. De-airing is a crucial step in formation of laminated curved article. The assembly is kept under vacuum and is heat treated to remove air trapped in between the assembly. During de-airing process the entrapped air between the substrates, interlayers and data transponder device along with connector element is removed to create preliminary adhesion. The de-airing is done by means of having a rubber ring which seals the complete edges of the assembly. The ring is designed to <NUM>% of the actual assembly circumference and further to accommodate in case the connector element is partially extended portion. The suction takes place by removing the air which is entrapped in between the assembly. The ring has one exit hose through which the air is removed. After the de-airing step the assembly is substantially transparent. If there is cloudiness in the assembly, then it means that air is trapper between the assembly. Alternatively, the interlayer 100c is provided with pores (pin holes) for volatiles to escape during the de-airing process. Step <NUM> autoclaving the de-aired assembly to form the data transponder <NUM>, <NUM> integrated laminated glazing.

The standard tests were performed on the data transponder embedded laminated glazing samples to study the effect on the read range, readability counts, location for data transponder in the laminated glazing and data integrity. The read range is defined as maximum distance for detecting the data transponder by the detector. Readability counts are defined as number of time the tag responded to the detector in a minute. Location of the data transponder in the laminated glazing is defined as the placement of the data transponder in the laminate. Data integrity check is defined as the determination of information lost in the data transponder.

The data transponder embedded laminated glazing samples were kept at <NUM> for <NUM> hours and the effect on the read range, readability counts, location for data transponder in the laminated glazing and data integrity was checked. Table <NUM> shows the different parameters checked after the samples were kept at <NUM> for <NUM> hours.

Results from storage stability test (Table <NUM>) showed that the readability was higher when the data transponder device embedded between two interlayers of the laminate glazing. In addition to this, when the data transponder device was embedded on the inner face of the first substrate, higher data readability was achieved.

Results from heat resistance test (Table <NUM>) showed that the readability was higher when the data transponder device embedded between two interlayers of the laminate glazing. In addition to this, when the data transponder device was embedded on the inner face of the second substrate, higher data readability was achieved.

The data transponder embedded laminated glazing samples were kept at following conditions firstly <NUM> for <NUM> hours, secondly room temperature for <NUM> minutes, thirdly <NUM> for <NUM> hours and finally room temperature for <NUM> minutes. The effect on the read range, readability counts, location for data transponder in the laminated glazing and data integrity was checked for the samples. Table <NUM> shows the different parameters checked after the samples were subjected to above mentioned conditions.

Results from thermal cycle resistance test (Table <NUM>) showed that the readability was higher when the data transponder device embedded on the inner face of the first substrate of the laminate glazing. In addition to this, when the data transponder device was embedded on the inner face of the second substrate, very higher data readability was achieved than embedded between two interlayers.

The data transponder embedded laminated glazing samples were irradiated with full solar spectra at <NUM> W/m<NUM> for <NUM> hours and the effect on the read range, readability counts, location for data transponder in the laminated glazing and data integrity was checked for the samples. Table <NUM> shows the different parameters checked after the samples were irradiated at <NUM> W/m<NUM> for <NUM> hours.

Results from high light resistance test (Table <NUM>) showed that the readability was higher when the data transponder device embedded on the inner face of the second substrate of the laminate glazing. In addition to this, when the data transponder device embedded between two interlayers, higher data readability was achieved.

The data transponder embedded laminated glazing samples were kept inside an environmental chamber at a temperature of <NUM> and relative humidity of <NUM>%for <NUM> weeks and the effect on the read range, readability counts, location for data transponder in the laminated glazing and data integrity was checked for the samples. Table <NUM> shows the different parameters checked after the samples were kept at a temperature of <NUM><NUM>C and relative humidity of <NUM>%for <NUM> weeks.

Results from long-term reliability test (Table <NUM>) showed that the readability was higher when the data transponder device embedded between two interlayers of the laminate glazing. In addition to this, when the data transponder device was embedded on the inner face of the second substrate, higher data readability was achieved.

From the above results, it was established that the data transponders should be embedded on inner face of the first substrate of the laminated glazing <NUM> to achieve best readability.

The laminated glazing of the present disclosure is a laminated glass pane which can be installed in a building or a windshield, windscreen or sunroof or automobile glazing which can be installed in a motor vehicle.

According to the basic construction described above, the automobile glazing system of the present invention may be subject to changes in materials, dimensions, constructive details and/or functional and/or ornamental configuration without departing from the scope of the protection claimed.

The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Certain features, that are for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in a sub combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

The description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein, is provided to assist in describing the teachings, and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can certainly be used in this application.

This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent that certain details regarding specific materials and processing acts are not described, such details may include conventional approaches, which may be found in reference books and other sources within the manufacturing arts.

Claim 1:
A laminated glazing (<NUM>) for a vehicle embedded with one or more data transponders comprising:
a first substrate (100a) consisting an outer face and an inner face;
one or more interlayers (100c) disposed on the inner face of the first substrate (100a);
a second substrate (100b) disposed on the interlayer (100c);
characterized in that
at least one data transponder device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising an antenna (102a, 104a) and an integrated circuit (102b, 104b) disposed on one or more interlayer (100c),
wherein one or more interlayer (100c) placed in between the first and second substrate (100a, 100b),
wherein the data transponder device (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to communicate data wirelessly with a detecting device or a mobile device and provide selective reading of the transponder device (<NUM>, <NUM>),
one or more heating element (<NUM>) being provided between the first substrate (100a) and the second substrate (100b), wherein the heating element (<NUM>) is positioned around the data transponder device (<NUM>, <NUM>) at a pre-defined distance therein to heat a region around the antenna (102a, 104a) and thereby improve readability of the data transponder.