Distance Measuring Device Heater Control for Window Fogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fogging on the transmission window of distance measuring devices can occur due to temperature differences, leading to reduced measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring device equipped with a heater and a control unit that adjusts the heater's energization based on inside and outside air temperatures to prevent fogging on the transmission window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a heater is used to prevent fogging on the transmission window, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the heater's operating parameters (energization timing and intensity) based on real-time temperature measurements from the temperature sensor. By monitoring the temperature difference between inside and outside the device, the system optimizes heater activation to prevent fogging while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the transmission window temperature and feeds this information to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the heater's energization accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains measurement accuracy while optimizing energy usage.
2Measurement precision
If the heater is continuously energized to prevent fogging, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a self-regulating mechanism where the temperature sensor and control unit automatically monitor and adjust heater operation without external intervention. The control unit independently determines when heater energization is necessary based on temperature differential thresholds, enabling autonomous operation that maintains measurement accuracy without requiring complex external control systems.
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 prevents fogging on the transmission window, thereby maintaining the accuracy of distance measurements by controlling the heater's operation in response to temperature differences.
Implementation Method 1
The heater is configured to heat the transmission window from an inside of the distance measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring device is configured to emit a transmitted wave and detect a reflected wave from an object irradiated with the transmitted wave to measure a distance to the object. At least one of the transmitted wave and the reflected wave is transmitted through a transmission window. A heater is configured to heat the transmission window from an inside of the distance measuring device. A control unit is configured to control energization of the heater according to an inside air temperature which is an air temperature inside the distance measuring device and an outside air temperature which is an air temperature outside the distance measuring device.