Vehicle Camera Window Anti-Fogging Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle-installed camera systems face challenges in maintaining clear views during low temperatures due to fogging on window glass, which requires continuous electric power for heating, potentially depleting battery power in hybrid or electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A window glass anti-fogging structure comprising an anti-fogging membrane and a heater with embedded electric heating wires, integrated with a transparent substrate layer for stiffness, reduces the need for continuous power by using a controlled power supply and a hydrophilic membrane to prevent clouding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric heating wires are supplied with continuous electric power to prevent fogging on the window glass surface within the camera's angle of view, then the anti-fogging effect is maintained and clear images are obtained, but the battery power in hybrid or electric vehicles is significantly depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the heating wires to operate in cycles rather than continuously. The control unit activates the heating wires when fogging is detected through the camera system, and deactivates them when the glass surface is clear, thereby maintaining anti-fogging effectiveness while significantly reducing overall power consumption from the battery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using the camera system to detect the fogging state of the window glass and automatically adjusting the heating wire operation accordingly. The control unit receives image data, determines whether fogging is present, and adjusts heating wire activation based on this feedback, optimizing both anti-fogging performance and energy efficiency
2Reliability
If the heating wires are activated for long periods to maintain clear view in low temperature conditions, then the window glass remains fog-free, but the available electric power for driving the electric motor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic heating cycles instead of continuous operation. The control unit monitors environmental conditions and camera feedback to determine when heating is necessary, activating the heating wires only during periods when fogging risk is detected, thereby preserving electric power for motor operation while maintaining clear views when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heating system adaptive and responsive to changing conditions. The control unit dynamically adjusts heating wire activation based on real-time camera feedback and environmental parameters, allowing the system to optimize the balance between maintaining clear views and preserving power for motor operation under varying 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
The solution effectively reduces power consumption by minimizing the duration of electric heating required, ensuring clear camera views without significantly depleting vehicle battery power, while maintaining structural integrity and preventing fogging on the window glass.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (23) having at least one electric heating wire (22) for generating heat
Implementation Method 2
an anti-fogging membrane (24) having an anti-fogging property... the anti-fogging membrane (24) having a water absorbing property
Data Source
AI summary
A window glass anti-fogging structure includes an anti-fogging membrane and a heater. The structure is provided on a view-angle glass surface of a window glass of a vehicle such that the structure covers the view-angle glass surface. The view-angle glass surface is a part of an inner surface of the window glass within a range of an angle of view of a vehicle-installed camera provided in a vehicle interior space for taking images of a view outside of the vehicle through the view-angle glass surface.