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The DuPont™ Wedge™ for Head-up Display illuminates safety, navigation and handling features
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| DuPont™ Wedge™ automotive safety glass interlayer technology helps drivers of selected GM models focus on the road ahead while monitoring digitally displayed speed, RPMs or other information.
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A head-up display (HUD) technology from Asahi Glass, Nippon Seiki and DuPont Automotive is available as an option on several GM vehicles in the United States, including the Pontiac Grand Prix, Cadillac STS and Chevrolet Corvette. It comes standard on the Cadillac XLR and the new 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, launching in the fourth quarter of 2005.
The distortion-free, head-up display (HUD) communicates driver-selected information, such as navigation, performance features as well as vehicle speed to the driver. This year, the HUD incorporates a new Track Mode setting that presents real-time information on lateral acceleration – better known as G-Force. In Street Mode, driver-selectable settings include vehicle and engine speed, direction, turn signals, gear position, audio settings and even turn-by-turn directions on vehicles equipped with a navigation system.
At the centre of the HUD technology is a precisely engineered "interlayer" of DuPont™ Butacite® PVB that acts as the screen onto which the HUD information is projected. This interlayer is called the DuPont™ Wedge™ because of its angular cross-section. Laminated between two layers of glass, the Wedge™ is transparent to allow distortion-free forward vision, but also is able to reflect the HUD projection for viewing by the driver. The virtual image appears to float in the driver’s line of sight near the front of the car, minimizing refocus time. Virtual image location and brightness can be adjusted to the driver’s preference. Together, these features help to reduce driver distraction, enhancing safety.
The Wedge™ angle is critical, and was developed through close cooperation with the GM engineering team, windshield supplier Asahi Glass Co. and Nippon Seiki, which supplies the HUD projector and served as package integrator.
"This is a great example of suppliers working together to add value to the OEM," said Jeff Dickson, general manager, sales, for Nippon Seiki International Ltd. "As we were adding great new features, such as a wide array of user-selectable displays, it was important that the image be as crisp and clear as possible. The laminate is a critical factor in achieving that goal." The Wedge™ is manufactured from DuPont™ Butacite® PVB polymers to exacting tolerances.
GM was the first automaker to make HUD commercially available on vehicles, and DuPont is the industry leader in this technology, with a large majority of market share. DuPont Automotive also serves as a development partner for Tier One suppliers, providing world-class manufacturing and technical service support through every step of the process.
"More and more, automakers are incorporating HUD technology in new vehicles," said Hayati Yarkadas, global automotive marketing manager for DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions. "Automakers tell us consumers appreciate the benefit of seeing critical information without having to look away from the road, primarily because the information can help reduce distraction and reaction times."
DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions provides materials, services and innovations for a better, safer world. The business operates within the DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers strategic business unit, part of DuPont's $5.3 billion Performance Materials growth platform.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
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