Electrode Array Mist Removal Device for Vehicle Windshield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature differences between the inside and outside of vehicles cause mist to form on glass surfaces, such as windshields, obstructing the driver's view and posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A mist removing device comprising a power supply module, an electrode array, and an insulating layer stacked on a substrate, where the electrode array forms an electric field to converge droplets away from the substrate, optionally with a hydrophobic layer to enhance demisting, and a control module to manage the power supply for efficient mist removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional heating or ventilation methods are used to remove mist, then energy consumption increases and response time is prolonged, but mist removal effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/thermal mist removal systems (heating elements, ventilation fans) with an electrostatic field-based system. The electrode array generates an electric field that directly acts on mist droplets through electrostatic forces, eliminating the need for thermal energy input or mechanical air movement, thus significantly reducing energy consumption while improving response time and effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for mist removal from thermal energy (temperature) or mechanical energy (air flow) to electrical energy (electric field strength). By controlling the voltage applied to the electrode array, the system can rapidly adjust the electric field intensity to match varying mist conditions, achieving fast response and high effectiveness with low energy input
2Reliability
If electrode array is placed directly on substrate, then manufacturing is simplified, but droplet convergence effectiveness is reduced due to lack of insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary component between the electrode array and the substrate. This insulating layer prevents direct electrical contact while allowing the electric field to pass through and act on the droplets. The insulator enables the system to achieve both electrical isolation for safety and effective field generation for droplet convergence, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different layers: the electrode array provides electrical conductivity for field generation, the insulating layer provides electrical isolation while maintaining field penetration, and the hydrophobic layer provides water-repelling properties. This local differentiation of material qualities optimizes each component's function, achieving high droplet convergence effectiveness without excessive overall complexity
3Reliability
If hydrophobic layer is added to enhance demisting, then mist removal performance improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mist removal function into two distinct segments: the electrode array generates the electric field for droplet manipulation, while the hydrophobic layer provides surface properties that enhance droplet detachment and prevention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and manufactured separately, then assembled together, making the enhanced performance achievable without prohibitively complex manufacturing processes
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
Effectively removes mist from vehicle windshields by converging droplets under an electric field, ensuring clear visibility and reducing safety risks by preventing mist from affecting the windshield's transmittance.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode array forms an electric field to cause droplets in a mist to converge under action of the electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A mist removing device, a controlling method thereof a mist removing system and a control element are provided, which relate to the field of mist removing technology. The mist removing device includes power supply module, electrode array and insulating layer. Electrode array and insulating layer are arranged on substrate in stacked manner in direction away from substrate. Orthographic projection of insulating layer onto substrate covers orthographic projection of electrode array onto substrate. Power supply module is connected with electrode array. Power supply module is configured to supply power to electrode array such that electrode array forms electric field to cause droplets in mist to converge under action of electric field, where mist is formed on side of insulating layer away from substrate. Mist on surface of substrate can be effectively removed.