WO2020213013A1

WO2020213013A1 - A heating grid designing apparatus and a method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2020213013A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050365
Authority: WO
Inventors: Monisha DHANABAL; Arunvel Thangamani; Kalyan Sriramachandra DESARAJU
Original assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
Priority date: 2019-04-19
Filing date: 2020-04-17
Publication date: 2020-10-22
Also published as: EP3957139A1; CN113728733A; EP3957139A4

Abstract

A heating grid designing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an input device, a sensing unit, a processing unit and an output device. The input device is configured to receive input parameters from a user. The sensing unit is coupled to the input device and configured to analyze performance of a heating circuit present on a glazing. The processing unit is coupled to the sensing unit and estimates a heating pattern based on the input parameters and the analyzed performance. The output device coupled to the processing unit to control printing or coating of conductive material on the glazing based on the estimated heating pattern.

Description

A HEATING GRID DESIGNING APPARATUS AND A METHOD THEREOF

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for designing a heating circuit on an automobile glazing and in particularly, to an apparatus for visualizing the performance of the heating circuit and further designing a desired pattern of heating circuit.

Background

[0002] 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 disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] A defogger or a defroster is a system to clear condensation and frost from the automobile glazing such as windshield, back glass or side windows and provide best possible visibility around the motor vehicles for facilitating both the driver and the occupants. Defogger is a series of resistive conductors connected in parallel or series on the glass. When the power is applied, the conductors heat up, thawing ice and evaporating condensation from the glass. These conductors may be composed of a silver-ceramic material printed and baked onto the interior surface of the glass or maybe a series of very fine wires on the glass. A switch is provided on the dashboard which is pressed to switch on the defogger. The power is supplied to the defogger via physical wires that draw power from the battery of the car. The defogger can be either operated manually or automatically.

[0004] Existing methods for designing defogger include using screen printing method. The width and thickness of the heating coils pattern to be printed on the windshield are provided manually by users. Screen printing is a printing technique whereby a mesh is used to transfer material onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the material by a blocking the opening in the mesh with an emulsion. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with the material, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. This causes the material to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed. The amount of silver that is to be deposited is controlled by varying the mesh size, width of the heating wire and the emulsion coating thickness. The width and thickness of the heating coil are designed to achieve the required defrosting/defogging performance. The heating coils or wires are connected to a busbar on either side. The busbar is also designed using a silver or metal substrate. Thereafter, power is supplied to the heating circuit formed by a plurality of heating coils, through connectors soldered to the busbar.

[0005] However, the existing system does not have a provision to determine the defogging time achieved by the current heating coil pattern. It is not possible to modify the design of the heating coil pattern on the windshield based on a desired defrosting or defogging time.

[0006] The heating coils of the defogger could have defects during production. Also, the defogger conductor lines are prone to physical damages over a period of time. Typically, visual inspection is used to detect obvious defects and damages in the defogger conductor lines. There exist verified testing methods for windshields and antenna. There do not exist testing methods for measuring the performance of the defogger. It is desired to have a system that monitors and analyses the heating coil automatically using a sensing unit to predict its performance.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for a system that designs the heating coil pattern based on the defrosting/defogging time required. Further, there exists a need for a system that enables a user to visualize the heating pattern of the windshield and determine the defogging time and peak temperatures achieved. Furthermore, there exists a need for a system that monitors and analyses the heating coil automatically to predict the performance thereof.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0008] The primary object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus or system that designs a heating circuit on automotive glazing based on a specific defrosting time. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that enables a user to visualize the heating pattern of the automotive glazing. The heating pattern indicates the defrosting and/or defogging pattern and the peak temperatures achieved in each zone of the glazing. Y et another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that analyze the heating circuit present on the glazing to predict the performance thereof. Thus, the present disclosure avoids the need for manual testing of heating circuits on the glazing and also eliminates the need for expensive hardware testing setups for verifying the performance of the heating circuit. [0009] According to an embodiment herein, a heating grid designing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an input device, a sensing unit, a processing unit, and an output device. The input device is configured to receive input parameters from a user. The sensing unit is coupled to the input device and configured to analyze the performance of a heating coil present on glazing. The processing unit is coupled to the sensing unit and estimates a heating pattern based on the input parameters and the analyzed performance. The output device coupled to the processing unit to control printing or coating of conductive material on the glazing based on the estimated heating pattern.

[0010] According to an embodiment herein, a set of input parameters is received from a user through an input device. The input parameters include at least one of defrosting time, voltage, power, power ratio, type of mesh and quantity of a conductive material. Thereafter, performance of a heating circuit present on glazing is analyzed using a sensing unit to determine initiation of melting time, rate of heat transfer and threshold temperature. The sensing unit includes a camera, IR sensor, and the like. The sensing unit also compares the input parameters with the analyzed properties to verify the performance of the heating circuit. Subsequently, a heating pattern is estimated by a processing unit based on the performance of the heating circuit and the input parameters. The step of estimating the heating pattern by a processing unit is based on mapping properties of the conductive material with their respective thermal performance. The heating pattern indicates the defrosted area in a specific time period. Further, the area defrosted and the peak temperature achieved in a specific time period is visualized on a graphical user interface by mapping the estimated heating pattern with the existing heating grid. In response to the heating pattern, the defrosting time can be varied by changing the design or pattern of the heating circuit. An output device with a printing or coating mechanism is controlled by the processing unit to control printing and/or coating of conductive material on the glazing based on a desired defrosting time.

[0011] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0012] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not limited in the accompanying figures.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a heating grid designing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary processing unit for heating grid designing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of estimating and visualizing heating pattern on a display unit; according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating a method for visualizing heating grid pattern using a heating grid designing apparatus; according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary setup for sensing unit present in the heating grid designing apparatus;

[0018] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface on the heating grid designing apparatus for receiving input;

[0019] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary visualization of the heating pattern on the heating grid designing apparatus;

[0020] FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary heating circuit generated on automotive glazing, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a printing mechanism described in the current invention.

[0022] 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 disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0023] The present disclosure 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.

[0024] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. Definitions

[0025] For convenience, the meaning of certain terms and phrases used in the current disclosure are provided below. If there is an apparent discrepancy between the usage of a term in other parts of this specification and its definition provided in this section, the definition in this section shall prevail.

[0026] Defogger - Defogger is a system to clear condensation and thaw frost from the windshield, back glass, or side windows of a motor vehicle. Hie defogger consists of a bus bar, a heating circuit, and a power supply. The defogger is used for defogging as well as for defrosting or de-icing. In the disclosure, defogger or automobile glazing defogger might be interchangeably used.

[0027] Defogging - Defogging means removing fog or moisture from the automobile glazing. The defogger is used for defogging the automobile glazing.

[0028] Defrosting - Defrosting means melting of accumulated ice on the automobile glazing. The defogger is used for defrosting the automobile glazing.

[0029] Heating circuit - Heating circuit is a series of parallel linear resistive conductors on the automobile glazing.

[0030] Busbar - The busbar is a wider conductor present on the periphery of the automobile glazing and is adapted to carry electrical power to the defogger coil.

[0031] In order to overcome the drawbacks associated with the prior art, the present disclosure provides an apparatus or system that automatically designs the heating circuit on automotive glazing based on a specific defrosting time. The apparatus also enables a user to visualize the heating pattern of the automotive glazing. The heating pattern indicates the defrosting or defogging pattern and the peak temperatures achieved in each zone of the glazing. The apparatus also analyzes the heating circuit present on the glazing check for defects and estimate the performance. The performance of the heating circuit can be improved by providing the desired parameters through an input interface on the apparatus.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a heating grid designing apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 is configured to analyze the existing heating coil design on a windshield. Further, the apparatus 100 is configured to estimate/predict the defrosting time required for the heating coil. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 is configured to print or coat additional metal material or conductive layer on the windshield to achieve desired defrosting time. The apparatus 100 includes an input device that is configured to receive input parameters from a user. The input parameters include voltage supplied, power, power ratio, mesh type and the like. The input device 116 communicates with the processing unit 108 through a wired or a wireless communication protocol. Examples of input device 116 include a microphone, a keyboard, a touch screen, a bar code reader, and a gesture unit. The input device is further coupled to the sensing unit.

[0033] The sensing unit 104 receives the input parameters and further analyses the heating circuit. The sensing unit 104 identifies the properties and performance of the heating circuit. The sensing unit also identifies defects in the heating circuit. Examples of sensing unit 104 include Charge-coupled device (CCD) and CMOS (Complementary metal oxide semiconductor), IR sensor, an electrical power sensor, and a voltage sensor. The sensing unit 104 also verifies the input parameters received. The sensing unit is configured to determine and verify the design parameters of the heating coil, wherein the design parameters thickness, width, profile, defrost time and peak temperature of the heating coil.

[0034] The sensing unit 104 transmits the analyzed properties and the input parameters to a processing unit 108. The processing unit 108 is configured to estimate or predict the heating pattern of the heating circuit based on the analyzed properties and input parameters. The heating pattern includes at least one of a steady state temperature, initiation of melting, a speed of melting, voltages across each node for a specific input voltage, an electrical power through the element, and width for each element. The processing unit 108 further controls printing or coating of conductive material on the glazing based on the estimated heating pattern or a desired defrosting time. The processing unit 108 transmits control signals to an output device to release a conductive material at a specified quantity onto the automotive glazing.

[0035] The output device 110 includes a nozzle control mechanism and/or a printing mechanism. The output device 110 is also coupled or integrated with a display unit 114. The display unit 114 includes a graphical user interface to visualize the heating pattern. The graphical user interface can include a touch interface enabling a user to scroll through the heating pattern. Examples of display unit 114 include but not limited to an LCD, cathode ray tube display (CRT), light-emitting diode display (LED), electroluminescent display (ELD), plasma display panel (PDP), liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light-emitting diode display and the like. The display unit 114 can be a display of a mobile device or a computing device or a smart phone that wirelessly communicates with the processing unit 108.

[0036] The output device 110 may comprise one or more robotic arms operated by the processing unit. The one or more robotic arms are configured to control printing/coating of conductive material on the windshield. The robotic arms are configured to perform screen printing and 3D printing. Each robotic arm is linked to one or more sensors and a local positioning system. The live data from sensors is fed into a piece of custom software allowing control of the robot’s movement and deposition of the material output. Sensors mounted inside the robot or robotic arm control direction, following a predefined path. Traveling in a circular path allows for a vertical actuator to incrementally to adjust the nozzle height for a smooth, continuous, layer of conductive material. Further, the robotic arms may comprise one or more servo motors to enable rotation and movement across the length of the glazing.

[0037] In another embodiment, the input device, the processing unit and the display unit 114 is implemented in a computing device. The computing device is a multi-computing device configured to receive input, process and visualize the heating pattern with defrosting time. Further, the computing device may be coupled to an automatic printing or coating mechanism. The computing device may be a computer, a smartphone, an iPad, a laptop and the like.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary processing unit for heating grid designing; according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing unit communicates with the input device and the output device to design a heating circuit based on a set of input parameters. The input parameters include width and the thickness of the heating grid. The processing unit is also coupled to the sensing unit that enables to estimate the performance of the heating grid. Further, the processing unit is communicatively coupled with the output unit to control the printing/coating of the conductive material on the glazing.

[0039] According to an embodiment herein, the processing unit includes a processor 202, a temperature profiler 206, a memory 204, a depositor 210, a communication module 212, and a power convertor 208. The processor 202 may be any conventional processor, such as commercially available CPUs or hardware -based processor. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the processor, computer, or memory may actually comprise multiple processors, computers, or memories that may or may not be stored within the same physical housing. Further, processor is one of the component of the designing apparatus along with input device, sensing unit and output devices. The memory 204 is configured to store instructions accessible by the processor. Further, the memory includes data that is executed by the processor. Memory 204 is any storage device, a computer-readable medium, or another medium that stores data that may be read with the aid of an electronic device, such as a hard- drive, memory card, ROM, RAM, and write-capable or read-only memories. In an example, data stored in the memory includes maximum temperature of each zone, width range of each coil, defrosting time and the like are modified by the processor in accordance with instructions.

[0040] The processor 202 is configured to receive input parameters through the input unit and transmit output signals to the output unit via a communication module 212. The processor is also configured to communicate with external devices, servers via the communication module 212. The processing unit 104 can have wired or wireless communication with the output device.

[0041] The temperature profiler 206 determines the time required for defogging/defrosting. Further, the temperature profiler generates a heating pattern showing the defogging time required at various zones and the peak temperature achieved. The temperature profiler 206 generates a heating pattern signal which is communicated to the display unit via a communication module. The depositor 210 controls the nozzle control mechanism or the printing mechanism to control the amount of conductive layer deposited or printed on the glazing. The depositor 210 transmits a signal to the output device that further varies the mesh size or the orientation of robotic arms.

[0042] The power convertor 208 receives electrical output from the power unit. The electrical output is an AC output or DC output. In an embodiment, the power unit includes a power convertor. The power supply can be an AC supply, or DC supply. Further, the power convertor 208 may convert AC to a DC source. The DC power is supplied to the sensing unit and the processor.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication between the processor, memory and other components within the processing unit is established by an address bus and a data bus. The communication module 212 may include an antenna for transmission and reception of signals. In an example, a Bluetooth/ Wi-Fi module is used for Online Data Acquisition and Management. The communication module 212 is also enabled to establish communication with a server via a communication network such as internet.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of estimating and visualizing heating pattern on a display unit. The process of estimating and visualizing the heating pattern is performed by the processing unit. A set of input parameters including voltage supplied, power, power ratio, mesh type is received by the input device (302). Further, a performance values of the heating circuit are determined by the sensing unit. Another set of threshold values are determined by the processing unit based on the input parameters and performance values. The threshold values derived include maximum temperature for each zone, temperature width range for each zone, and total operation time (304). The derived threshold values are stored in a database (306). Thereafter, an output is simulated using the threshold variables and a set of equations which is a variable of time (308). Output for a first zone is continuously simulated for a specific distance around each element of the heating circuit. Steps 308 to 314 are repeated until the distance around each coil is equal to the threshold distance within the operation time. On achieving the desired simulation on a first zone, the simulation is paused for the first zone and progresses to a second zone (316). The steps 308 to 314 is executed continuously until a total operation time is achieved or until a threshold width of the heating element is achieved for the second zone. When the total operation time is reached, the simulation ends (312). The steps 308 to 314 continues for each zone of the laminated glazing, provided the‘run time’ is less than or equal to the total operation time. The final simulated output is displayed on a display unit by the processing unit indicating the area defrosted during the operation time.

[0045] According to an embodiment herein, the step of displaying the area defrosted includes displaying the existing heating circuit design on a graphical user interface combined with a defrosted area in a specific color or pattern. In another embodiment, the simulated output includes a heating pattern with physical realistic 3D/2D visualization to indicate automotive glazing and defrosting or defogging of the glazing. Further, the heating pattern indicates the defrosting or defogging area and the speed at which a particular zone is defrosted. In another embodiment, visualizing the area defrosted includes displaying locations of hot spots and cold spots within a heating circuit.

[0046] FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating a method for visualizing heating grid pattern using a heating grid designing apparatus. A set of input parameters is received from a user through an input device (401). The input parameters include at least one of defrosting time, voltage, power, power ratio, type of mesh and quantity of a conductive material. Thereafter, the performance of a heating circuit present on glazing are analyzed using a sensing unit to determine initiation of melting time, rate of heat transfer and threshold temperature (402). The sensing unit includes a camera, IR sensor, and the like. The sensing unit also compares the input parameters with the analyzed properties to verify the performance of the heating circuit. Subsequently, a heating pattern is estimated by a processing unit based on the performance of the heating circuit and the input parameters (403). The step of estimating the heating pattern by a processing unit is based on mapping properties of the conductive material with their respective thermal performance. The heating pattern indicates the defrosted area in a specific time period. Further, the area defrosted and the peak temperature achieved in a specific time period is visualized on a graphical user interface by mapping the estimated heating pattern with the existing heating grid (404). In response to the heating pattern, the defrosting time can be varied by changing the design or pattern of the heating circuit. An output device with a printing or coating mechanism can be controlled by the processing unit to controlling printing and/or coating of a conductive material on the glazing based on the desired defrosting time. The printing or coating is controlled by estimating a width and thickness, profile of defogger coil required for a desired defrosting time based on thermal, electrical properties of the conductive material and the heating circuit arrangement.

[0047] According to an embodiment herein, the step of displaying the area defrosted includes displaying the existing heating circuit design on the graphical user interface combined with a defrosted area in a specific color or pattern. Also, the visualizing of the area defrosted includes displaying locations of hot spots and cold spots on the automotive glazing with the heating circuit.

[0048] According to an embodiment herein, the step of displaying the heating pattern includes displaying heating pattern with physical realistic 3D or 2D visualization. When the display unit is an augmented reality device (AR) or Virtual reality (VR) based device, the heating pattern with defrosting and defogging trend may be visualized more realistically on the AR/VR device. Further, the physical realistic visualization can provide users a better understanding of the hot spots and cold spots in the automotive glazing. [0049] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary setup for sensing unit present in the heating grid designing apparatus. The sensing unit comprises a computing device 412 coupled with an IR sensor 410. The computing device 412 reads the heating grid circuit in the automotive glazing 408. The computing device 412 captures images of the heating grid circuit to determine the property and performance of the heating grid. Further, the sensing unit is also used to improve reliability of the visualization output generated by the processing unit. The sensing unit may capture images during de-icing or defogging. The images captured by the sensing unit are compared with the images generated by the processing unit 108 to estimate difference between the images. The difference between the images are identified and the feedback is transmitted to the processing unit. The processing unit adjusts the heating pattern based on the differences identified. Thus, the processing unit ensures accuracy of the heating pattern output. The images captured by the sensing unit are stored in a server or database 414 for future reference.

[0050] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface on the heating grid designing apparatus for receiving input. The defrosting time is entered as input by a user. Further, melting speed and begin of melting temperature are determined by the sensing unit and the processing unit based on the material and type of the heating circuit. With reference to the defrosting period, the heating pattern is simulated for the defrosting time and displayed on a graphical user interface as shown in FIG. 5B.

[0051] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary visualization of the heating pattern on the heating grid designing apparatus. The image shows the area defrosted highlighted at the end of the input time (for example, 15 minutes). The defrost time at any intermediate time can be visualized by changing the input time in the graphical user interface.

[0052] FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary heating circuit printed/coated on an automotive glazing 500, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heating circuit includes primary and secondary defogger coils 502, 504 with two different electrical resistances respectively. The width and thickness of the primary defogger coil 502 can be varied based on the heating pattern required and the defrosting time desired. The output device controls the printing/coating of the conductive material on the automotive glazing. The output device varies the amount of conductive material deposited/printed on the glazing to achieve desired defrosting time in zone Z1 and Z2. The primary defogger coil 502 is provided in a predetermined pattern, design of other representation. The primary defogger coil 502 can be designed in the shape of any pattern or any other preferred designs. The primary defogger coil 502 provided in a predetermined pattern, design of other representation further defines the heating zone Zl. The zone Z1 is generally located at one end of the automobile glazing 500. The secondary defogger coil 504 defines a heating zone Z2 covering the rest of the automobile glazing 500. The heating grid is designed such that the zone Zl heats faster t than zone Z2, thereby defogging zone Zl much faster than zone Z2. The zones are designed to achieve a maximum temperature with a threshold width between each coil of the heating circuit. The zone Zl defrost quickly in order to clear the viewing area for a driver of a vehicle.

[0053] In an embodiment, the heating circuit can be formed by a printed or a coated conductive layer. In an embodiment, generally silver is used to prepare the coils 502, 504 using screen printing technique. Other materials used for printing defogger may include metal, conductive polymers, metal grids, carbon nanotubes (CNT) layer, graphene, transparent conductive oxides, conductive oxides or any conductive material. In an alternate embodiment, the heating circuit can be made of visible or invisible material. The screen printing is a printing technique whereby a mesh is used to transfer a conductive material onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the conductive material by blocking the opening in the mesh with an emulsion. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with the conductive material, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. This causes the conductive material to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed. The amount of silver that is to be deposited, which decides the width and thickness of the coil is controlled by varying the mesh size, width of the line and the emulsion coating thickness. The width and the thickness of the defogger are designed to achieve the required defrosting performance. The defogger coils are connected to a busbar on either side. The busbars are wider conductors present on the periphery of the automobile glazing and are adapted to carry electrical power to the defogger. These busbars are also made of printed silver. The power supply to the defogger is provided through connectors soldered to the busbar.

[0054] In another example, the heating circuit may include more than two zones, each zone designed to provide a varied defrosting performance. [0055] FIG. 6 illustrates a printing mechanism described in the current invention. In an example, the heating grid designing apparatus includes a printing mechanism to control the amount of conductive ink deposited on a glazing, thereby achieving a heating grid design with desired performance values. In an example, conductive heating line material such as copper, silver, carbon nanotube (CNT), and the like may be used and silver is most preferred. The conductive heating line material may be used in a particle form. In the present invention, as the conductive heating line material, copper particles that are coated with silver may also be used.

[0056] An example of screen printing is disclosed in FIG. 6. The screen printing method is performed by directly positioning a paste/ink 602 on a substrate through a hollow screen 610 while pressing a squeeze 604 after positioning the paste/ink on the screen having the pattern 606. The pattern/image is generated and made in a template 606 that is used for printing. In the proposed method with feedback from the heating grid designing apparatus, the heating grid design is modified. The feedback is given to the depositor coupled to the printing mechanism and the grid pattern 612 will be made on the glazing.

Example 1

[0057] In order that the disclosure may be readily understood a specific embodiment thereof will now be described by way of an example. An experiment was conducted to study the variation in defrosting time with the variation of width and thickness of the defogger coil as shown in Table 1. The data is for 80% silver from Ferro with specific resistance 2.8 m Gem and wires of length 1000mm with 12V power.

Table 1: Illustrates the various defrosting time.

[0058] In an example, a heating grid design with a 70-degree maximum temperature and 15 minutes defrosting time can be designed using the heating grid designing apparatus. The heating grid pattern is visualized for a period of 15 minutes as defrosting time. Further, the maximum temperature can be reduced if the glazing cannot withstand the said maximum temperature. Thus, the present invention avoids the need for using actual glass samples for determining defrosting/defogging time. Further, the present invention reduces costs and time involved in experiments and re-designing of glass.

Table 2: Illustrates the various melting time, melting speed and defrost time.

0059] As shown in table 2, for varying values of width of wires of the heating grid, the melting initiation time (begin of melting) and defrosting time varies accordingly. The values mentioned in table 2 are illustrated in the graphical user interface of the display unit. It is observed that as the distance between wires decreases, the defrosting time is improved.

Industrial Applicability

[0060] According to the basic construction described above, the apparatus of the present disclosure is implemented to design windshields, backlights, sidelites and 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 apparatus of the present disclosure is used to determine the performance of heating circuits in the manufactured glazing. Further, the apparatus can be used to determine defects in the glazing. Further, the proposed apparatus can be used to design a heating circuit with desired performance parameters such as melting speed and defrosting time.

[0061] Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

[0062] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0066] Also, the use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the disclosure. 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. For example, when a single item is described herein, more than one item may be used in place of a single item. Similarly, where more than one item is described herein, a single item may be substituted for that more than one item.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. 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.

[0068] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

List of Elements

TITLE: heating grid designing apparatus

Input device

sensing unit

processing unit

output device

display unit

power unit

processor

memory

temperature profiler

power convertor

depositor

communication module

IR sensor

smartphone

server

primary defogger coils

secondary defogger coils

ink

screen

pattern

squeeze

grid pattern

Claims

CLAIMS I/We claim:

1. A heating grid designing apparatus 100 for a vehicle glazing, the apparatus comprising: an input device 102 configured to receive input parameters from a user;

a sensing unit 104 coupled to the input device and configured to analyze performance of a heating circuit present on a glazing;

a processing unit 108 coupled to the sensing unit;

an output device 110 coupled to the processing unit; and

characterized by the processing unit 108 that estimates a performance of the heating circuit based on the input parameters and the output device that operates to control printing or coating of conductive material on the glazing based on the desired performance of the heating pattern.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the output device comprises a display unit 114, and a printing/deposition mechanism 210.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the display unit 114 comprises a graphical user interface 412 that is configured to visualize the performance of the heating pattern indicating the defrosting area and the peak temperature achievable in a specific time period.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit 108 is configured to control the amount of conductive material printed/coated on the glazing to achieve desired performance of the heating pattern.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit 108 is configured to control the amount of conductive material printed/coated on the glazing and thereby vary the width, thickness of the heating circuit, and concentration of the conductive material on the heating circuit.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the conductive material is selected from a group comprising of silver, carbon nanotubes (CNT) layer, graphene, copper, conductive oxides, nano-material or any conductive material.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the conductive material is selected from one of a transparent and non-transparent material.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit 104 comprises one or more sensors, a high definition camera and an IR camera, electrical power sensor, voltage sensor.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit 104 is configured to determine and verify the design parameters of the heating circuit, wherein the design parameters thickness, width, profile, defrost time and peak temperature of the heating circuit.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input parameters comprises width and the thickness of the heating grid, voltage, power, power ratio, type of mesh and quantity of a conductive material.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit 108 is configured to estimate at least one of a steady state temperature, initiation of melting, a speed of melting, voltages across each node for a specific input voltage, an electrical power through the element, and width for each element.

12. A method of visualizing a heating grid pattern using a heating grid designing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising: receiving input from a user through an input device, wherein the input parameters comprise at least one of voltage, power, power ratio, width and thickness of the heating gridand quantity of a conductive material;

analysing the performance of a heating circuit present on a glazing using a sensing unit to determine initiation of melting time, rate of heat transfer and threshold temperature; estimating a heating pattern by a processing unit based on the performance of the heating circuit and the input parameters, wherein the heating pattern indicates the defrosting area and peak temperature achieved in a specific time period; and visualizing the defrosted area and the peak temperature achieved in a specific time period on a graphical user interface by mapping the estimated heating pattern onto the existing heating grid design.

13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the step of displaying the area defrosted for a specific time duration comprises displaying the existing heating circuit design on the graphical user interface combined with a defrosted area in a specific color or pattern.

14. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the step of estimating the heating pattern by a processing unit is also based on properties of the conductive material constituting the existing heating circuit.

15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the step of displaying the area defrosted comprises displaying heating pattern with physical realistic 3D or 2D visualization to indicate automotive glazing and defrosting or defogging of the automotive glazing.

16. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the heating circuit is used for defrosting and/or defogging and the heating pattern indicates defogging speed.

17. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein visualizing the area defrosted comprises displaying locations of hot spots and cold spots on the automotive glazing with the heating circuit.

18. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprises controlling printing and/or coating of a conductive material on the glazing based on the estimated heating pattern.

19. The method as claimed in claim 10 and 16, comprises estimating a width and thickness, profile of defogger coil required for a desired defrosting time -based on thermal, electrical properties of the conductive material and the heating circuit arrangement.

20. The method as claimed in claim 10 and 17, comprises automatically varying the amount of conductive material printed/coated through an output device to achieve desired defrosting area in specific time duration.

21. The method as claimed in claim 10 and 12, wherein the step of estimating the heating pattern comprises optimizing the profile as a function of peak temperature on the glass.