Aerosol Detection via Optical and Capacitive Sensor Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol detection systems in motor vehicles, particularly autonomous ones, face limitations due to reliance on purely optical methods that are prone to malfunctions and errors, leading to inadequate adaptation of driving speed and visibility range recognition.
Innovation Solution
A method and sensor assembly that combines optical and capacitive sensing to detect aerosols by emitting a radiation signal and capturing response signals from multiple directions, while using capacitive sensors to verify the presence of aerosols through changes in electrical capacitance, thereby enhancing the reliability of aerosol detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a purely optical system is used for aerosol detection, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability of measurement results deteriorates due to malfunctions and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical sensing (radiation emitter and receiver) with capacitive sensing (capacitive sensor) to detect aerosols. This merging of two different sensing principles allows cross-verification of measurements, improving reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated sensor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor acts as an intermediary verification mechanism. It provides an independent measurement channel that mediates between the optical measurement and the final detection decision, filtering out false positives from the optical system through capacitive capacitance changes in the aerosol-containing air.
2Reliability
If multiple sensing methods are combined for aerosol detection, then the reliability of detection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit where the radiation emitter, radiation receiver, and capacitive sensor work together to detect aerosols. This universal sensor assembly can be integrated into existing vehicle systems without requiring completely separate detection systems, managing complexity through shared hardware and software resources.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for accurate and reliable detection of aerosols, enabling effective adaptation of driving speed and lighting control, reducing visibility limitations for both drivers and autonomous vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
The emitted radiation signal may be reflected and/or scattered by aerosols in the surrounding area, so that the reflected or scattered radiation signal is received again by the radiation receiver as a response signal
Implementation Method 2
The emitted radiation signal may be reflected and/or scattered by aerosols in the surrounding area
Implementation Method 3
the electrical capacitance of a field around the vehicle is captured by at least one capacitive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a sensor device for detecting aerosols in the ambient air of a motor vehicle, wherein the probability of occurrence of aerosols in the ambient air of the vehicle is determined, wherein a control signal is sent to at least one radiation emitter when the determined probability of occurrence exceeds a defined probability value, wherein a radiation signal is emitted by the radiation emitter, wherein a possible response signal to the emitted radiation signal is captured by at least one radiation receiver, wherein the response signal is detected from at least two directions, wherein the electrical capacitance of a field around the vehicle is captured by at least one capacitive sensor, wherein the occurrence of aerosols is deduced upon detection of the response signal from two directions and detection of a change of capacitance in the surrounding area.