WO2021176464A1

WO2021176464A1 - A coated laminated glazing with improved readability by means of an enablement layer

Info

Publication number: WO2021176464A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050185
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arunvel Thangamani; Robin C JAYARAM; Samson RICHARDSON D
Original assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
Priority date: 2020-03-02
Filing date: 2021-02-26
Publication date: 2021-09-10

Abstract

The invention discloses a coated glazing (100) with improved readability. The coated glazing comprises at least one data transponder device (108), a metallic layer, and an enablement layer (106) positioned between the metallic layer and the at least one data transponder device on the glazing. The enablement layer (106) is configured to improve the readability of the at least one data transponder on the glazing. The enablement layer (106) is configured to provide electrical and electromagnetic characteristics across the cross-section. The present disclosure discloses a glazing with embedded data transponder device having enhanced protection, durability and data readability performance.

Description

A COATED LAMINATED GLAZING WITH IMPROVED READABILITY BY MEANS OF AN ENABLEMENT LAYER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a coated glazing of a vehicle embedded with one or more data transponders, particularly it relates to a coated laminated glazing with better readability performance of one or more data transponders embedded within glazing, and more particularly it relates to improving the readability of embedded data transponders of the glazing by providing an enablement layer.

BACKGROUND 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. Generally, glazing refers to the glass that is installed in the window frame. Some of the common types of glazing used in building applications include clear and tinted float glass, tempered glass, and laminated glass. Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that is made of two or more layers of glass joined together by an interlayer. The interlayer between the two or more layers of glass may be of plastic, or polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). Laminated glass is in vehicles as windshields as it will provide maximum protection in the face of an accident. The interlayer of the laminated glass keeps the one or more layers of glass bonded and prevents it from falling off. Know in the art are windshields having laminated glass configured for data or signal communication. The data transponder that facilitates said communication may be mounted on the windshield. Currently data transponders such as RFID and NFC tags are provided on the vehicle windshields in the form of stickers and used as a data storage device to store vehicle related data or information. Also, there exists solutions that disclose embedding of a data transponder between the laminated glazing or the windshield.

Reference is made to US patent no. 6,275,157 that discloses a data transponder comprising a glass panel and RFID device, which is at least partially embedded in the glass panel. A further reference is made to Indian patent application from the current applicant, IN201741020258 that discloses a laminated glazing with an RFID/ NFC device disposed between a first substrate and the second substrate of the laminated glazing. However, when the first substrate or the second substrate is coated with a functional layer such as metal layer or metal oxide layer, the readability of the RFID device is affected. The metallic layer or metal oxide layer causes backscattering and range variation when the data transponder is positioned adjacent thereto. In a scenario where face three of the laminated glazing is coated, and the RFID device is embedded thereon, grounding effect occurs on face three disrupting the conduction. Hence, there exists a need of a solution to address the above-mentioned problems associated with data transponder performance in a coated laminated glazing.

According to existing prior arts, with respect to the working of a metal coated glazing embedded with a data transponder, the glazing is a single glazing or a laminated glazing. The glazing includes a first substrate. The first substrate is disposed with a metal layer. Further, the data transponder device is disposed on the metal layer. In afore-mentioned scenario, the data transponder when in contact with the metal layer, causes grounding effect and results in eddy current. The generation of eddy currents affects readability of the data transponder. Furthermore, at least some of the RF waves are reflected due to the metal layer. When readability is affected, the data transponders cannot be used for applications such as toll booth payment, data transfer, reading vehicle and the like.

Furthermore, the data transponder device readability is significantly affected when it is located over the metal parts. It is a practice to place the data transponder devices away from the metal surface to avoid readability issues. The laminated glazing when coated with the metal oxide coating, the data transponder devices placed over may have issues with respect to readability. In order to avoid the issue, local isolation for data transponder devices is typically performed.

Reference is made to US9758021B2 that discloses a composite pane with coating and further including a cut-out, within which a transponder is arranged between the two panes. The cut-out allows readability for the data transponder. Removing a specific portion of coating (cut-out) from the laminated glazing at an area adjoining/ aligned with the RFID device, addresses the problem of RF wave reflection and RFID device readability. The removal of the coating results in the RFID device being exposed to sun, UV and prone to damage. Thus, there exists need for a method that improves performance of data transponder device in the laminated glazing while ensuring protection to the data transponder device.

Methods have been developed to address the problem of readability of data transponders attached to the glazing. There exist patents that disclose a method of manufacturing a glazing having a frequency selective surface using laser beam. European patent EP2640549 discloses a method of depositing a coating on a substrate to provide RF transparency. Subsequently, a laser beam is provided on the coating by laser ablation to form lines having a spacing selected to provide transparency of the coating to RF radiation of a desired wavelength. The referred patent focusses on providing random slits in a coating layer and thereby achieving the performance for data transponders. These random slits can enhance the reading performance. However, the exposed slits can possibly lead to tag degradation and failure of the RFID device in case of harsher process parameters. Further, the random slits cause metallic reflection of RF waves, thereby affecting readability. The existing solutions do not explain a method of qualifying the tag performance.

In view of the above discussion, there exists the need for a coated glazing that provides improved readability for a data transponder or an antenna. Further, it would be desirable to provide a laminated glazing such as a windshield with data transponder devices having enhanced protection, durability and data readability performance. Furthermore, there exists the need for a coated glazing with data transponder that eliminate problems associated with electromagnetic interference, metallic reflection of RF waves and grounding of the RFID device.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is an object of the present invention to provide a coated glazing having an improved readability for a data transponder.

It is another object of the present invention to provide to a laminated glazing with data transponder devices having enhanced protection, durability and data readability performance.

It is a further object of the present invention to enhance the performance of the RF based devices embedded on a functional layer (metal or metal oxide) coated automotive glazing.

It is a further object of the present invention to prevent the reflection of signals from the reader because of obstruction from the functional layer and other metallic child parts surrounding the glazing.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved automobile glazing incorporating other functions in addition to the usual one.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved automobile glazing embedded with one or more data transponders and with better readability performance of the data transponders even in extreme weather conditions.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by the following aspects of the invention. The following disclosure presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This presents some concept of the invention in a simplified form to a more detailed description of the invention presented later. It is a comprehensive summary of the disclosure and it is not an extensive overview of the present invention. The intend of this summary is to provide a fundamental understanding of some of the aspects of the present invention.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The aforementioned drawbacks are overcome by providing a coated glazing with data transponder that eliminates problems associated with electromagnetic interference, metallic reflection of RF waves and grounding of the RFID device. The coated glazing is formed by a coated glazing with an enhancement layer embedded therein to provide enhanced protection, durability and data readability performance.

According to an aspect of the present invention is disclosed a glazing comprising at least one data transponder device, a metallic layer, and an enablement layer positioned between the metallic layer and the at least one data transponder device on the glazing. The enablement layer is configured to improve the readability of the at least one data transponder on the glazing. The glazing may be a coated glazing comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, an interlayer and an enablement layer. The interlayer is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. At least one data transponder device is disposed below the first substrate. Thereafter, a first enablement layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The enablement layer is configured to provide electrical and electromagnetic characteristics across the cross-section.

According to an aspect of the present invention is disclosed a method of making a glazing as per the previous aspect of the invention. The method comprises depositing a coating on a substrate, bending the first substrate and the second substrate, placing the data transponder on the enablement layer, assembling the curved first substrate and the second substrate with the data transponder and the enablement layer, vacuum de-airing the assembly and autoclaving the assembly

According to an aspect of the present invention, the enablement layer has varying dielectric and permeability value across the cross-section in a continuous manner. In another example, the enablement layer is composed of at least one of a dielectric layer, a magnetic material or a combination thereof. The performance of the data transponder can be varied by modifying the dielectric strength and magnetic permeability values in the enablement layer. The various aspects of the present disclosure is directed at a glazing with embedded data transponder device having enhanced protection, durability and data readability performance even in the presence of functional coating (such as and not limited to metallic coating).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following briefly describes the accompanying drawings, illustrating the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, for assisting the understanding of a person skilled in the art to comprehend the invention. It would be apparent that the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art can derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

FIGs. 1A to 1C illustrate the different embodiments of a glazing for improved readability of the data transponder device embedded therein according to the present invention.

FIGs. 2 A and 2B illustrate the different exemplary compositions of the enablement layer, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGs. 3A to 3E illustrate the different exemplary embodiments showing the modifications of the interlayers of the laminated glazing according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of manufacturing a coated laminated glazing for a windshield with improved readability according to the present invention. FIGs. 5A to 5C illustrate an experimental setup to determine the readability of the coated glazing with data transponder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Persons skilled in the art will 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

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 have been 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 (such as but not limited to an antenna or RFID tag) and more particularly to a laminated glazing with better readability performance of the data transponders in extreme weather conditions.

Reference is made to FIG. 1 disclosing a metal coated glazing embedded with a data transponder. The glazing (100) comprises at least one data transponder device (108). The data transponder device may be and not limited to a radio frequency identification unit or antenna. The glazing further includes a metallic layer. The glazing further includes an enablement layer (106) positioned between the metallic layer and the at least one data transponder device on the glazing. The enablement layer is configured to improve the readability of the at least one data transponder on the glazing. The metallic layer of the glazing for instance may be a metal coating on the glazing. The metal coating of the glazing is a protective layer selectively disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to provide mechanical integrity, ultra-violet protection, thermal resistance and electrical insulation for the data transponder. In an implementation of the embodiment, the coated laminated glazing may include a surface coating layer provided on at least one of face two or face three of the laminated glazing.

FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a laminated glazing for improved readability of the data transponder device embedded therein. The glazing comprises a first substrate (102a), a second substrate (102b), an interlayer (110) and an enablement layer (106). At least one of the first substrate (102a) or the second substrate (102b) includes a functional coating (104). The interlayer (110) is positioned between the first substrate (102a) and the second substrate (102b). The at least one data transponder device (108) comprising an antenna and an integrated circuit disposed below the first substrate (102a). Thereafter, a first enablement layer (106) is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The enablement layer is configured to provide electrical and electromagnetic characteristics to the at least one data transponder in presence of the metallic layer. The said electrical and electromagnetic characteristics are enabled by di-electric strength and magnetic permeability variation which can vary the performance of the data transponder. As a result, the enablement layer advantageously improves the readability of the data transponder integrated in the laminated glazing by preventing eddy current formation and providing directional readability. According to an implementation of this embodiment, the enablement layer may be composed of a mixture of functional layers across the cross-section.

The effect of the functional coating (the metallic layer or the metal coating for instance) is avoided in the present invention by having the enablement layer in between with higher magnetic permeability value. Relative magnetic permeability of the enablement layer enables protection which does not allow magnetic fields to pass through. Thereby, reducing the effect of the functional interference on the data transponder and improving the readbility. The radio frequency enablement layer also provides electrical insulation thereby reducing the noise generated by the metallic layer i.e the metallic coating.

According to an embodiment herein, the selection of the RF enablement layer is based on two important factors: dielectric constant (that defines the dielectric strength of the material) and relative magnetic permeability. The values of dielectric constant and relative magnetic permeability are determined with respect to the materials suitable for application of the disclosed glazing. In a preferable embodiment of the invention, the material of the enablement layer may be chosen from materials having di-electric value varying from 1 to 14.5 and also with a relative magnetic permeability in the range 1 to 15. The highest value of conductivity in the enablement layer is at least around 0.01 MS/m wherein is value is present at around the bottommost surface of the layer. The thickness of the dielectric medium is also selected according to the functional coating thickness.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or both the first substrate (102a) and the second substrate (102b) is a glass or a polymer. The polymer may be and not limited to polycarbonate (PC) or polypropylene (PP). The one or both the first substrate (102a) and the second substrate (102b) can be of various shapes such as but not limited to flat, curved, wedged or contoured. Optionally, at least the first substrate (102a), the second substrate (102b) or both the first and the second substrate (102a, 102b) may be strengthened either chemically or thermally. The first substrate (102a), the second substrate (102b) or both the first and the second substrates (102a, 102b) may have a thickness of at least 0.5 mm. One or more interlayers (110) provided between the first substrate (102a) and the second substrate (102b) are capable of forming a laminated assembly.

In an embodiment, one or more interlayers (110) may be made up of polymers with same or different mechanical and chemical properties. The one or more interlayers (110) 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. Generally, the interlayer (110) is modified to assemble thicker data transponders in the laminated glazing (100). The interlayer (110) is modified by either cutting, pressing, grinding, heating or combination thereof. The cutting of interlayer (110) is done manually or automatically by means of cutting fixtures. The grinding of interlayer (110) is done by means of abrasive wheel or pencil grinders which are electrically or pneumatically operated. Further, the interlayer (110) can be modified by heating. In this, the data transponder is disposed on the interlayer (110) 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 (110) by heating method is also done by means of having an adhesive backing in the data transponder (108) along with hot stamping to ensure much higher bonding between interlayer (110) and the data transponder (108).

FIG.1C illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a glazing for improved readability of the data transponder device embedded therein. The glazing comprises a first substrate (102a), a second substrate (102b), and an enablement layer (106). At least one of the first substrate (102a) or the second substrate (102b) includes a functional coating (104). In an example, the interlayer is substituted by the enablement layer (106) with RF enablement characteristics. The interlayer may be modified with impregnation that provides the characteristics of enablement layer. Generally, during lamination of glass, it is preferred that the laminated glazing do not have a defined application specific thickness. It is also preferred that the thickness of the enablement should not be more than the interlayer thickness. The enablement layer may have a minimum thickness of around 1 micrometre in an implementation of the invention. Advantageously, the interlayer then is modified to function as an enablement layer to meet the resultant thickness requirement of the laminated glazing.

The enablement layer comprises a first portion with dielectric properties and a second portion with conductive properties. In an embodiment, the enablement layer (108) may be made up of polymers with same or different mechanical and chemical properties. The one or more interlayers (110) 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 enablement layer (108) may have either uniform thickness throughout or non- uniform thickness. The enablement layer (108) may have a thickness of at least 0.38 mm. The enablement layer (108) is adapted to accommodate one or more data transponders such as NFC device and RFID tag. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the coated laminated glazing can be used for an RFID device or a NFC device to provide improved readability. In an embodiment, the data transponder devices such as NFC device and RFID tag is disposed between the first substrate (102a) and the second substrate (102b), or integral to one or both the first substrate (102a) and the second substrate (102b), or disposed between one or more interlayers (110), or integral to one or more interlayers (110). In an example, the NFC device comprises of an antenna and an integrated circuit. The data transponder devices have a thickness of at least 5% of the thickness of the interlayer (110). More specifically, the data transponder devices may have a thickness of at least 50 pm to 500 pm. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that these values are indicated merely for enhancing the understanding of the person and are not included as a limitation.

The operating frequency of NFC device and RFID tag ranges in between 3 kilohertz (KHz) to 10 gigahertz (GHz). The data transponder devices 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. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data transponder devices comprises a material selected from the group comprising metal, conductive polymers, metal grids, carbon nanotubes (CNT) layer, graphene, transparent conductive oxides or conductive oxides. The metal is preferably selected from the group comprising 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.

In an implementation of the present invention, the data transponder may comprise a stack of layers having a substrate, an antenna, a chip and an overlay. The substrate and overlay comprises glass or polymer. If the substrate comprises polymer, it is selected from a group having 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.

According to an implementation of the present invention, the data transponder devices are integrated between the laminated glazing (100) by printing, depositing or patching. The data transponder devices can be directly printed onto the first or second substrate (102a, 102b) or the interlayer (110) by means of screen printing with multiple layers onto one another. In some instances, the data transponder devices can be a separate thin film patch which can be fixed optionally by adhesive either on first or second substrate (102a, 102b) or on the interlayer (110). Optionally, the data transponder devices are cured during the integration in the laminated glazing (100). The curing of the data transponder devices can be done by infrared or ultraviolet rays. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data transponder devices comprise one or more antenna and integrated circuit. The antenna and the integrated circuit are coupled together. The antenna is configured for receiving and transmitting signals from a reader device. The integrated circuit is configured to process the information. The integrated circuit comprises a storage unit such as a memory. In an implementation, the memory may consist a read-only portion and re-writable portion. The read-only portion is configured to store data which cannot be altered and the re-writable portion is configured to store data which can be altered. The integrated circuit may be in a form of a chip. In an example, both RFID and NFC is integrated between the first substrate and the second substrate with a single chip and one or more antennas. The RFID or NFC can be selectively read by a reader device.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary composition of the enablement layer, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The enablement layer has varying dielectric and permeability value across the cross-section in a continuous manner from layer (302a to 302B). The area indicated as 302a in the figure has a high dielectric value and the area indicated as 302b has a low dielectric value. The data transponder is positioned adjacent to the area 302a i.e. the area with high dielectric value. Thus, the enablement layer having highest conductivity is positioned farthest from the data transponder. The varying dielectric values provide improved read range, eliminates grounding effects, and improves gain and directionality. The enablement layer is formed by mixing or concentration ratio of composites and additives across cross-section. In another example, the enablement layer is formed by coating, layered deposition of material with varying property. The enablement layer (108) can have a conductive material which is a polymer, a metal, or a semi-conductor.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the layered enablement layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The enablement layer may be composed of at least one of a dielectric layer, a magnetic material or a combination thereof. The performance of the data transponder can be varied by modifying the dielectric strength and magnetic permeability values in the enablement layer. In an embodiment, the enablement layer is composed of at least one of PTFE, Teflon, polyimide, polystyrene, Mylar, PET, doped silicon, ceramic layers epoxy with fillers, composite structure (glass, polymer, metal layers) and a combination thereof. In an implementation of the invention, the enablement layer comprises a structure having multiple layers (302c, 302d) with one or more materials.

In an embodiment of the present invention, with respect to FIG. 2B, the enablement layer comprises a stack configuration with varying values of dielectric constant and magnetic permeability across the cross-section. The enablement layer thus has differential di-electric constant value from a first area (302a) of the layer to a second area (302b) of the layer. The first area of the enablement layer is in proximity to the data transponder and is having high di-electric strength. Alternatively, it can be regarded that the data transponder is positioned adjacent to the enablement layer so as to be close to an area with low dielectric constant, the value of which is closer to 1. The di-electric strength of the material reduces towards the second area (302b) of the layer. The second area is impregnated with metal particles to enable conductive properties.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the data transponder is positioned near the area with high dielectric value or strength to achieve high directivity and connectivity to the reader or interrogator. And the area with low dielectric value or strength is positioned near the metal layer to improve conductivity. In another example, the interlayer is modified by changing the structure of material. The modified structure of the material may be and not limited to that of a honeycomb, or mesh. In an embodiment of the present invention, the laminated glazing includes the enablement layer with a dielectric material and a conductive material in a proportion of 4:1. The enablement layer has varying dielectric and permeability value across the cross-section in a continuous manner. In another example, the enablement layer is composed of at least one of a dielectric layer, a magnetic material or a combination thereof. The performance of the data transponder can be varied by modifying the dielectric strength and magnetic permeability values in the enablement layer. In another embodiment of the present invention, one or more interlayers of the laminated glazing may be modified with metal impregnation to provide electrical and electromagnetic characteristics and thereby improve the readability of the data transponder integrated in the laminated glazing. The interlayers are provided on the inner face of the first substrate (102a). The interlayers are intermediate the first and second substrates (102a and 102b) respectively. Further, the data transponder is positioned in an area adjacent to the metal impregnated interlayer.

The present invention in an embodiment provides a laminated glazing (100) comprising a first substrate (102a) having an outer face and an inner face and one or more interlayers (110) disposed on the inner face of the first substrate (102a). A second substrate (102b) is disposed on the interlayer (110). At least one data transponder device comprising an antenna and an integrated circuit is disposed on one or more interlayer (110), wherein one or more interlayer (110) placed in between the first substrate (102a) and the second substrate (102b).

In another embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to FIG. 3A that discloses a laminated glazing including an interlayer (for instance and not limited to, PVB) is doped with particles having magnetic permeability for enhancement of performance of the data transponder. As per this embodiment of the invention, the readability of the radio frequency (RF) data transponders can be enhanced by having a doped interlayer. The doping of the interlayer material is done with particles of a material having an appropriate relative magnetic permeability and then laying the RF data transponder over the particles. This configuration ensures that there is a constructive field reinforcement - reflected from the particles deposited and thereby improving the readability of the data transponders. In an implementation of the embodiment, the magnetic permeability of the particle can be selected based on the type of coating provided over the glass surface.

In FIG. 3 A, the first substrate is glass (3001) and the second substrate is coated glass (3003) with the interlayer of PVB (3002) present therebetween the first and second substrate. The magnetic permeable particles (3002’) are doped on the interlayer (3002). The data transponder such as a RFID patch is disposed on the magnetic permeable particles (3002’). In this specific example, a data transponder enhancement layer itself can be used for mechanical / chemical protection with some surface treatments / coatings which are more durable. These elements are subjected to the extensive temperature and pressure ranges and henceforth this protection feature is of higher importance. The method of enhancing the readability of the RF data transponders can be done by doping the interlayer material with selective magnetic permiable particles and then laying the RF data transponder over the particles. This ensures there is no magnetic field which passes through the particles deposited and therby improving the readbility of the data transponders. The magnetic permeability of the particle can be selected based on the type of coating provided over the glass surface.

The other main advantage of this method is obtaining a directionality of the sensing the reflecting energy from tag and readers. This is helpful where the readability of the tag is to be made available from one direction of the laminated glazing.

In yet another implementation of this embodiment, the interlayer itself is adapted to function as a dielectric layer as is shown in FIG. 3B. The data transponder is directly placed on the interlayer adapted to function as the dielectric layer. In this implementation, yet another factor to be considered is the interlayer thickness and it is not sufficient to consider the dielectric constant value and relative magnetic permeability only. In an embodiment, the thickness of the laminated glass assembly is usually in the range 5-10 mm with the thickness of the interlayers in the range of around 0.4 mm, 0.76 mm or greater as the application of the glazing would demand. Accordingly, based on the interlayer thickness the tag can have an additional RF enhancement layer of least thickness, but within the said glass assembly thickness range. Accordingly, in an implementation of the present invention, the interlayer comprises a composite structure or combination of layers. As shown in FIG. 3C, the combination of layers comprises a di-electric layer (3025), disposed above the coated functional layer of glass (3023). The PVB layer (3022) is disposed above the di-electric layer (3025). Thereafter, the data transponder such as the RF based tag (3024) is disposed above the PVB layer. The first substrate layer such as a glass layer (3021) is positioned above the RF based tag. Reference is made FIG. 3D disclosing the combination of layers to comprise two layers of interlayers, i.e. two layers of PVB layers (3032, 3032') interlayered between the coated glass (3033) and the glass layer (3031).

In an implementation of the invention, the composite structure or layers have alternate metal or non-metal combination in the enablement layer. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal coating of the laminated glazing includes a metal isolation layer adapted to make the data transponder independent of the surface being mounted as shown in FIG. 3E. This implies that the data transponder may be mounted at any type of coated glazing or at any position in the glazing. The metal isolation layer can also act as a ground plane, or as part of the folded dipole antenna structure. The coated glazing is used as an antenna layer, or as ground layer. The high permeability dielectric material as a substrate results in a constructive electric field reflection coefficient at the material interface where the data transponder is placed, thereby improving efficiency of the antenna at all frequencies.

Reference is made to FIG. 3E that discloses an implementation of this embodiment showing a laminated glazing having a metallic layer. The metallic layer may be a coated glass as shown in the figure. A metal isolation layer is included in the laminated glazing above the coated glass. The interlayer (composed of, for instance, PVB). A di-electric layer is positioned thereon the interlayer. The data transponder is positioned above the di-electric layer. A glass substrate may be positioned on the data transponder. It would be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that FIGs. 3A to 3E illustrated the different exemplary embodiments to understand the invention. The glass indicated in these instances is an example of the first substrate of the laminated glazing and the coated glass is an instance of the second substrate with the metallic layer.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of manufacturing a coated laminated glazing for a windshield with improved readability. The method of manufacturing a laminated glass comprises depositing (402) a coating uniformly on a substrate (first substrate or second substrate) of the laminated glazing, the coating being non-transmitting to radio frequency (RF) radiation. Further, in a subsequent step, the first substrate and the second substrate are bend (403) to form a concave shape. Thereafter, a data transponder is positioned (404) over an enablement layer. The enablement layer that is configured to provide electrical and electromagnetic characteristics. The enablement layer is a part of the interlayer or deposited on the interlayer. The enablement layer may also be formed by doping the interlayer with magnetic permeable particles to form an area with varying dielectric constant and electromagnetic properties. Thereupon, the curved first and second substrate are assembled (405) with the data transponder and enablement layer in between. Following to this step, an assembly vacuum de-airing (406) is performed at a temperature of at least 90°C and negative pressure of at least 1 bar for time of at least 30 minutes.

During de-airing process, the areas where the terminals are protruded out from the glass are held with additional pressure. The said additional pressure is provided by having a metallic clip which is placed at a portion of the terminal. During de-airing process (406) 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 95% 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. The de-airing is followed by autoclaving (407) of the assembly. The autoclaving process (407) is done at around 145 °C and for about 90 minutes.

The functional layer is composed of at least one of metal or metal oxides. Examples of materials the functional layer is composed of may include but are not limited to aluminum, silver, copper, Nickel, zinc, platinum, chromium, titanium, and Inconel, Aluminum oxide, Indium oxide, Chromium oxide, Titanium Oxide, Titanium Zirconium oxide, zinc oxide. The coating of the layer can be coated by way of chemical vapor deposition or by magnetron coating. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data transponder with adhesive are used for laminating process and thus result in a transparent gluing option during glass assembly.

In an implementation of the present invention, a ceramic coating is provided to the first substrate or the second substrate. Further, the data transponder is positioned in an area adjacent to the ceramic coated region to provide ultraviolet protection to the data transponder device. In another example, the coated laminated glazing may include additional UV protection layer to provide ultraviolet protection to the data transponder device. Examples of material that the UV protection layer is composed of may include and not limited to 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 (A1F3), Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (Na3AlF6), Magnesium fluoride (MgF2), Lanthanum trifluoride (LaF3), Gadolinium Fluoride (GdF3), or combinations thereof.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the enablement layer itself can be used for mechanical / chemical protection with some surface treatments / coatings adapted to make it are more durable. These elements are subjected to the extensive temperature and pressure ranges and henceforth this protection feature is of higher importance. Advantageously, incorporation of the enablement layer provides for obtaining a directionality of the sensing the reflecting energy from tag and readers. This is helpful where the readability of the tag is to be made available from one direction of the laminated glazing.

Examples

The material of the enablement layer is selected with respect to the materials suitable for end application. There are wider options on the materials which have the dielectric value vaying from 1 to 14.5 and also with relative magnetic permeability of 1 to 15. The thickness of the dielectric medium is to be selected accordingly to the metal coating thickness. The parameters associated with the material of the enablement have been summarised as under, in which the material may be PTFE, Teflon, polyimide, polystyrene, Mylar, PET, Silicon (may or may not be doped), ceramic layers epoxy with fillers, composite structure (glass, polymer, metal layers), etc.

Table 1

The standard tests have been 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.

Example 1: Enablement layer characteristics

The optimal values of enablement layer as per an example of the present invention have been determined based on the readability required for the data transponder. Table 1 provided above shows the different values of the di-electric constant and relative magnetic permeability according to the example.

The thickness of the dielectric medium is to be selected accordingly to the functional layer (or metal coating) thickness. Based on the values mentioned in T able 1 , it has been observed that the readability is higher when the data transponder device is embedded between two interlayers of the laminate glazing. In addition to this, when the data transponder device has been embedded on the inner face of the first substrate, higher data readability is achieved. Example 2: Reading Distance Measurement

FIG. 5A to 5C illustrates the glazing used in an experimental setup to determine the readability of the coated glazing with data transponder. FIG. 5A illustrates a coated glazing embedded with a data transponder and an enablement layer. FIG. 5B illustrates a laminated glazing with a data transponder. The objective of the experiment is to determine the differences on the performance of the data transponder devices over coated (FIG. 5A) and non-coated surface (FIG. 5B). The test setup includes standard handheld radio frequency reader with tags integrated in laminated glazing and placed in line of sight. Two different type of laminated glass with one sample with pair of clear glass and other sample with one pair of coated glass and clear glass with the tag stuck on coating surface. The reader is placed in line with the tag face and standard power of 30 dB is provided to the antenna. The received signal strength indication, RSSI, value from the tag is noted until it reaches the maximum value and no further reading is obtained.

One sample of laminated windshield having the enablement layer has been prepared with coated glass (Sample 1) and embedded with a RF tag and another sample of the laminated windshield has been prepared with clear glass which is not coated or having any metallic layer (sample 2) and a radio frequency tag embedded therein along with the enablement layer. The laminated glazing with a functional layer (coated) and the enablement layer is compared against a clear glazing to notice readability at different ranges. The measurement is made in an open environment with a constant antenna strength and in line with the RFID tags applied over various type of glasses. The samples included clear glass and metal coated glass. The samples are placed in a standard location and the reading element is positioned at various distances to capture the variation in the performance of the tags. Table 2 in the following explains in detail the effect of the backscattering signal strength obtained from the different data transponders placed on different samples.

Table 2

As would be evidenced from herein above, the read range is noted to be not affected much when placing on the normal glass and on the metal coated glass. Industrial Application

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 or backlite 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.

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.

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.

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.

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). 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 invention. 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.

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 invention 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.

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 reference numerals and the corresponding features

100: glazing

102a: first substrate of laminated glazing 102b: second substrate of laminated glazing 110: interlayer of laminated glazing 106: enablement layer 104: functional layer (metallic layer or the metal coating) 302a: area of high dielectric strength 302b: area of low dielectric strength 302c and 302d: layers of the coating 3001, 3011, 3021, 3031 and 3041: Glass

3003, 3013, 3023, 3033 and 3043: Coated Glass 3002, 3012, 3022, 3032, 3032’, 3042’: PVB layer 3002’: magnetic permeable particles

3025, 3042: dielectric layer 3042”: metallic isolation layer

3004, 3014, 3024, 3034, 3044: RFID based tag/RFID patch 402-407: steps of the method of manufacture of glazing

Claims

1. A glazing (100) comprising: at least one data transponder device (108); a metallic layer; and an enablement layer (106) positioned between the metallic layer and the at least one data transponder device on the glazing; wherein the enablement layer is configured to improve the readability of the at least one data transponder on the glazing.

2. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enablement layer is configured to provide electrical and electromagnetic characteristics to the at least one data transponder in presence of the metallic layer.

3. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enablement layer having highest conductivity is positioned farthest from the data transponder.

4. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enablement layer has differential di-electric constant value from a first end of the layer to a second end of the layer.

5. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enablement layer comprises a first area, having high di-electric strength, is in proximity to the data transponder.

6. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the enablement layer is a stack configuration with varying values of dielectric constant and magnetic permeability across the cross-section.

7. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enablement layer is composed of at least one of PTFE, Teflon, polyimide, polystyrene, Mylar, PET, doped silicon, ceramic layers epoxy with fillers, composite structure including glass, polymer, ferrite, metal layers and/or a combination thereof.

8. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glazing is a laminated glazing comprising: a first substrate (102a) having an outer face and an inner face; at least one interlayer (110) disposed on the inner face of the first substrate (102a); and a second substrate (102b) disposed on the interlayer, wherein the at least one data transponder is positioned above or below the interlayer (110).

9. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the interlayer is adapted to function as the enablement layer.

10. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the interlayer is doped with selective magnetic permeable particles to prevent the formation of eddy current around an area of the data transponder and the at least one data transponder is disposed over the particles.

11. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the magnetic permeability of the particle is based on the type of coating provided over the glass surface.

12. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 6, comprising a metal isolation layer adapted to make the data transponder independent of the surface or the position it is being placed in the glazing.

13. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the interlayer is composed of at least one of a material selected from the group comprising 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.

14. The glazing (100) as claimed in any one of claim 1 or claim 8, wherein the enablement layer is formed by mixing one or more conductive material, dielectric material, or by depositing a layer of conductive material on a dielectric material.

15. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the di-electric constant of the enablement layer is around the range 1 to 14.5.

16. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the enablement layer is a layer having relative magnetic permeability around the range 1 - 15.

17. The glazing (100) as claimed in any one of claim 1 or claim 8, wherein the data transponder is positioned adjacent to the enablement layer so as to be close to an area with low dielectric constant.

18. The glazing (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the enablement layer is adapted to provide directional communication for the data transponder device disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

19. A method of making a glazing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the method comprises: depositing (402) a coating on a substrate; bending (403) the first substrate and the second substrate; placing (404) the data transponder on the enablement layer; assembling (405) the curved first substrate and the second substrate with the data transponder and the enablement layer; vacuum de-airing (406) the assembly; and autoclaving (407) the assembly.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein making one or more terminals to protrude out from the glass with additional pressure provided by a metallic clip placed at a portion of the terminal, during de-airing (406).

21. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein removing the entrapped air between the substrates, interlayers and data transponder device to create preliminary adhesion, during de-airing (406).

22. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein de-airing is performed by means of having a rubber ring which seals the complete edges of the assembly.

23. A laminated glazing for automobiles comprising the glazing as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 18.

24. A windshield comprising a glazing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18.