Vehicle Camera Heating Device Dynamic Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems face issues with blurred images and failure to capture objects due to dew condensation and ice/frost on the front window, especially at low outside temperatures, as current heating solutions may lead to excessive heat generation when environmental factors change.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle camera system with a heating device that adjusts the voltage application time based on changing heat generation factors such as outside air temperature and vehicle speed, using a control device to execute processing that either stops or adjusts the voltage application to prevent excessive heat generation, incorporating an outside air temperature detector and corrector to ensure the window temperature remains above the dew point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voltage application time is continuously controlled based on the heat generation amount determination factor at the start time, then the window temperature can be maintained above the dew point, but the temperatures of the window and heater may become excessively high when the factor changes greatly during the time period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the predetermined time period into multiple sub-periods and dynamically adjusts the voltage application time for each sub-period based on the heat generation amount determination factor at the start of each sub-period. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the control adapts to changing environmental conditions, preventing both dew condensation and excessive heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic control by dividing the time period into multiple sub-periods and repeatedly applying the control algorithm. The voltage application time is recalculated at the beginning of each sub-period based on current environmental conditions, creating a periodic feedback control mechanism that responds to changing conditions.
2Reliability
If the voltage application time is extended to ensure sufficient heating, then the window temperature remains above the dew point, but the heat generation amount becomes excessive when environmental factors change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the voltage application time based on real-time heat generation amount determination factors (outside air temperature, vehicle speed) for each sub-period. This ensures heating effectiveness is maintained while avoiding excessive energy consumption by adapting to changing environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from the heat generation amount determination factor to adjust the voltage application time. By continuously monitoring environmental conditions and adjusting the heating duration accordingly, the system maintains heating effectiveness while optimizing energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the voltage application time is shortened to reduce heat generation, then energy consumption is reduced, but the window temperature may drop below the dew point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically determines the voltage application time for each sub-period based on the heat generation amount determination factor. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the heating duration is optimized to prevent dew condensation while minimizing energy consumption, adapting to current environmental conditions rather than using a fixed duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage application time parameter based on environmental conditions (outside air temperature, vehicle speed). By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves the optimal balance between preventing dew condensation and reducing energy consumption under different operating conditions.
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 solution effectively maintains the window temperature above the dew point, reducing the risk of blurred images and ice/frost, while preventing excessive heat generation, thus ensuring clear imaging and component safety.
Implementation Method 1
heating means (41a, 43b) that is disposed inside the vehicle so as to face the window, the heating means generating heat that is given to the window when voltage of an electric power source of the vehicle is applied to the heating means
Implementation Method 2
a heater being a heating wire and a heated portion, which the heater is fixed to and gives heat received from the heater to the front window as radiation heat
Data Source
AI summary
A photographing apparatus for vehicle includes a control device which is configured to execute either a first processing or a second processing when a specific condition is satisfied until when a predetermined period of time elapses from start time of the predetermined period of time. The specific condition is satisfied when magnitude of a heat generation amount determination factor deviates from magnitude of the heat generation amount determination factor at the start time of the predetermined period of time by a predetermined value or more. The first processing is a processing to stop applying voltage to heating means until when the predetermined period of time elapses. The second processing is a processing to change a voltage application time based on magnitude of the heat generation amount determination factor at the time when the specific condition is satisfied.