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LOF News
Keeping open the lines of communication
LOF meets challenge with crystal-clear solution
(Photo Insets: 1) Cartoon character clearing snow from windshield 2) Diagram of ElectricClear Heated Windshield System 3) ElectriClear logo)
A team of LOF employees had 30 days to create a product that had been some four decades in the developmental stage, but was needed NOW.
Employee team tackles difficult product development
The team: a multi-disciplined group that included LOF scientists and engineers, and employees involved in almost every department ranging from marketing, to research and development services, to production.
The product: an electrically heated windshield system.
The idea of heating a windshield through a transparent film placed on the glass surface is not new. In the 1940's, LOF successfully developed such a system for use on aircraft.
However, in July, the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac group of General Motors defined specifications for the development of a similar system to be adapted for use in their automobiles. The prototypes were to be presented to GM in exactly one month.
According to Bob Nikodem, Manager/Coating Technology, and technical project coordinator,: In order to meet the specified deadline we had to work fast and work smart. A 'task force' of more than 20 employees from numerous areas of expertise within the company was assembled to address the GM specifications."
The LOF team was triumphant in its efforts. Prototype windshields were successfully tested by GM , and LOF was awarded the contract to produce the ElectriCleartm; heated windshield for next year's Cadillac line.
"The team that produced ElectiCleartm, formed an interactive system that relied upon the special contributions of each member. The ElecriClear heated windshield actually operates in a similar way by depending upon many technical aspects working together as a truly integrated system," said Al McCullough, Product Director, Automotive Glass Products.
The windshield is heated through a conductive metallic film, millionth of an inch in thickness, which is place on the #2 surface of the glass. Power is generated by the alternator through a power module connected directly to the windshield. A controller accepts commands from the dashboard switches and interfaces with the power module, engine control microprocessor, and the car electrical system. Unlike systems now in use, the battery is not called on for power, thus eliminating the risk of running it down.
Says Nikodem, "A good automotive electrical system is a prerequisite for the use of the ElectriClear system. The windshield must be matched to the auto's electrical system, which in turn turn, must be matched to the glass filming technology."
LOF engineers have the capability to modify the basic ElectriClear windshield system to meet the requirements of most automotive electrical systems. The present ElectriClear design is capable of delivering more than one watt per square inch of windshield vision area.
The ElectriClear heated windshield system will be offered as an option on next year's Cadillac line in a limited volume basis. McCulloch expects to see GM expand the option to Buick and Oldsmobile soon and then to small cars.
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