How have Skoda and other manufactures got around the Patent that Ford have on these windscreens?

Probably the patent has expired or they've licensed the tech.

Still not clear myself :-(

The patent Ford had was probably just for glass containing a heating element in the forward facing window of a passenger vehicle, or something like that. The first screenshot - relating to Quickclear - is just stating that Ford have trademarked the name Quickclear.

As far as I am aware, you can't patent a mere idea (like "A heated windscreen"), only some actual way of achieving it.  I guess there are many ways of embedding wires or other forms of heating element / membrane / mesh / powder / granules / film within the glass of a window or attaching / embedding something into / onto the surface.  Some probably don't work very effectively or are unreliable or deteriorate in service - or are just far too expensive to be viable.

Often, with motor industry patents, the actual device / component is not and cannot not be patented, but a manufacturer might have developed (and patented) a unique method of producing something reliably and economically, like Citroen and the CV joints for their front-wheel-drive cars or BMW and the bevel gears for their shaft-drive motorbikes.

That might be the case with Ford and their heated windscreens.  Or the technology might have been developed by their supplier and the rights bought by Ford; or Ford might have funded the research in the first place.  And, as others have said, Ford might have licenced other vehicle manufacturers to use their particular technology.  I guess it then just becomes a matter of commercial negotiation. 

 

Thanks for all the responses guys..........all help appreciated!

 

I have to say, providing it doesn't look to bad on Monday.....it's a yes from me.

Just been to the dealers and the sales guy, true to his word brought in his own car to show me his heated screen.

It was barely noticeable so be ordered it.

Thanks for everyone's comments.

It's a great option and you won't regret it.

In my case, it's not available.  I see it is now available for the TSI vRS; wonder if it'll eventually be available on the cooking TSi models?  Hopefully before my order gets confirmed

We had a 1968 Daimler that had fine heating wires embedded in the glass (just like todays heated front windscreens) for the heater rear screen, so it was hardly new technology that Ford used in the mid 1980s.

Works rally Minis, Hillman Imps etc had them fitted in the very early 60's for the likes of the Monte Carlo and other winter events. The main difference is the heavy bus bars at the top and bottom of the screen which meant they current drawn was less than todays versions which is just as well considering a heavy duty alternattor was probably rated at 35 amps compared to the 100+ amps of units now available.

 

Scott

Had heated screen in my yeti and would and did tick the box for heated screen in my new O3 Vrs but due to a hitch on dealer/skoda side heated front screen was omitted!

Never mind picking up a lovely set of Black turini with continental winter tyres all brand new as way of compensation!

Would Still defo order heated screen next time I order a car,they really are fantastic and like previous posters I also work shifts so jump in fire up screen and seats toasty!

Guess am going to get cold for next 3 winters :-(

I would say its very noticeable in certain light conditions, as its across the entire screen. Just glad the missus doesn't drive it as she would deffinatly moan. Most of the time I don't see it. Bit like a stone chip on a car, once you see it,its irritating. But another time you say, where is it......

Wires on the Octavia????................................Strange I think the current MK7 Golf has a thin oxide film/layer between two layers of glass for their heated front screen.

Wires on the Octavia????................................Strange I think the current MK7 Golf has a thin oxide film/layer between two layers of glass for their heated front screen.

 

I think that's what they are trying to describe. To the casual observer I suppose it does look like some sort of wire. In effect it is a conductor so they surely get 1/2 a point for that one. I will agree that in a low sun situation where it's just above the horizon the screen can be annoying as it refracts it more and makes it very hard to see out of. However, the advantage of the system being there vs the rare inconvenience is going to be for me a big advantage.

Wires on the Octavia????................................Strange I think the current MK7 Golf has a thin oxide film/layer between two layers of glass for their heated front screen.

Yes wires no film

 

Used mine this morning....  don't think I could be without one now.

As Stuarted said, there isn’t a granted overriding heated windscreen patent, be it by Ford or anyone else, there are however dozens of patents discussing specific aspects, be it busbar arrangement, solders to use, how to heat a particular area in a particular way, how to manufacture them etc.

Wire headed screen are used in quite a few cars (eg Morgan, Mini, VW, JLR, Merc) and seem to be getting more popular, especially with electric vehicles.  The are also very popular in busses as the bit of the windscreen that the driver stares through is a fair distance away from the hot air vents.  Motor sport applications also use them for the similar reasons – no dashboard and no HVAC.

Some people notice the wires, others are oblivious, but in any case they are wavy to try to minimise distractions to the eye.

As fabdavrav pointed out thin film oxide is another option ( eg Sekurit ClimaCoat), but it’s not without issues.  Notably the thinness means that it’s not as conductive as the wired equivalent so you have to use higher voltages.  This necessitates an additional inverter and therefore cost.

Supermarket freezer doors also have a heated thin film oxide to make sure you can see the goods, but they don’t have to concern themselves with unusual shapes and legal requirements for driving on the road.

Aircraft also use thin film oxide, but their manufacture, application and cost are different so alternative heating solutions can be employed.
 

Hi,

has some got the heated front screen in connection with a 1,2 or 1,4 TSI? Seems I am unable to pick that combination here in Norway.

 

Thank you

Godammit - after months studying the brochure before ordering, HOW did I miss the option of heated screen????

Hi,

has some got the heated front screen in connection with a 1,2 or 1,4 TSI? Seems I am unable to pick that combination here in Norway.

Thank you

That was the case here (uk) aswell (not sure if it still is) when I ordered. Only available with the Diesel not Petrol version of the vRS.

Heated screen is useful for sure but I think its quite pricey.

They seem to chip and damage easier than regular screens, also in really cold conditions you still have to de-ice all the side glass.

Not saying its the answer for all but I happen to live in a safe area with a secured driveway; i preference just starting my car a few minutes before I have to leave home with the heat jacked right up and let the car defrost itself.

The O3 TDI's warm up so quickly now also so its not like the issues of old where you'd wait 15-20 mins before the idling car started delivering warm air into the car.

can anyone confirm whether it's a wired or film system on the newest builds??

can anyone confirm whether it's a wired or film system on the newest builds??

Mine as the wired screen - VRS TDi built late September

As above current MK3 Octavia's are still wired maybe MK4 might get it?...............

 

 

MK7 Golf's are film, just another reason why the VW Golf's are more "expensive"....  .........along with bonnet lifters & cruise control on the steering wheel & not on a third stalk...............