Dynamic Heater Thresholds for Vehicle Window Fogging Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fogging of vehicle windows within the field of view of image capturing apparatuses occurs frequently, especially in inside air circulation mode, leading to unclear images and reduced effectiveness in obstacle detection and travel support operations.
Innovation Solution
A moving body control apparatus comprising an image capturing unit, a heater, an air-conditioning unit, and a control unit that differs the ambient temperature threshold for heater operation between inside air circulation and outside air introduction states, starting the heater when the ambient temperature is below a predetermined threshold, with a higher threshold in inside air circulation mode to effectively prevent fogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heater operation threshold is set low to avoid unnecessary heating in outside air introduction state, then energy consumption is reduced, but fogging prevention effectiveness deteriorates in inside air circulation state
Solution Approach 1:
The heater operation threshold is made dynamic by switching between a first threshold (higher) in inside air circulation state and a second threshold (lower) in outside air introduction state. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between fogging prevention and energy consumption based on the current air conditioning mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature threshold parameter for heater operation is changed based on the air conditioning state. The control unit sets different threshold values depending on whether the vehicle is in inside air circulation or outside air introduction mode, thereby adapting the heater control parameters to match the fogging risk level in each state.
2Reliability
If the heater operates continuously to prevent fogging, then fogging prevention effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater operates partially rather than continuously by using temperature thresholds to determine when heating is necessary. The system applies heating only when the ambient temperature falls below the appropriate threshold for the current air conditioning state, avoiding excessive heating when it is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the ambient temperature and compares it against the currently active threshold based on air conditioning state. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust heater operation dynamically, turning the heater on only when fogging risk exceeds the threshold and off when the risk is acceptable.
3Reliability
If the heater threshold is set high to ensure fogging prevention in inside air circulation state, then fogging prevention effectiveness is improved, but unnecessary heating occurs in outside air introduction state
Solution Approach 1:
The heater threshold dynamically adapts to the air conditioning state by switching between two distinct threshold values. This prevents the threshold from being statically high (causing unnecessary heating) or statically low (insufficient fogging prevention), optimizing energy use while maintaining fogging prevention effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature threshold parameter is changed based on the air conditioning mode detected by the control unit. When outside air introduction state is detected, the lower second threshold is applied, preventing unnecessary heating. When inside air circulation state is detected, the higher first threshold is applied to ensure adequate fogging prevention.
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 vehicle windows by optimizing heater operation based on air-conditioning states, ensuring clearer images and improved detection capabilities during travel.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to be capable of heating the transmitting portion
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided with a moving body control apparatus. An image capturing unit captures a periphery of a moving body through a transmitting portion. A heater is capable of heating the transmitting portion. An air-conditioning unit switches an air-conditioning state in the moving body between an inside air circulation state and an outside air introduction state. A control unit controls the heater. An ambient temperature detection unit detects an ambient temperature. The control unit starts the operation of the heater when the ambient temperature is not more than a predetermined temperature threshold. The predetermined temperature threshold of the case in which the air-conditioning state is set to the inside air circulation state is higher than the predetermined temperature threshold in the case in which the air-conditioning state is set to the outside air introduction state.