Flexible Substrate Heater Wiring for Vehicle Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distance measurement devices mounted on vehicles face accuracy degradation due to snow, rain, and stray light interference, particularly when heaters are used to clear the transparent window and when wiring is not properly secured, leading to potential peeling and stray light reflection.
Innovation Solution
A distance measurement device configuration that includes a flexible substrate with a heater wire on a transparent window, a fixing member to secure the wiring within the casing, and a light shielding member to prevent stray light from reaching the detection unit, ensuring accurate distance measurement by shielding stray light and securely attaching the wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater wire is formed on a flexible substrate and the substrate is adhered to the transparent window, then the transparent window can be heated to remove snow and rainwater, but the wiring portion may be pulled when inserted into the drawing hole, causing partial peeling of the heater portion from the transparent window
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible substrate is divided into two functional portions: a heater portion with heater wire for heating the transparent window, and a wiring portion for electrical connection. This segmentation allows the heater portion to be securely adhered to the transparent window while the wiring portion can be separately routed through the drawing hole without exerting pulling force on the heater portion, thus preventing peeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring function is extracted from the heater portion and separated into a distinct wiring portion. This allows the wiring to be independently routed and connected without interfering with the adhesive bonding of the heater portion to the transparent window, eliminating the peeling risk while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Reliability
If the transparent window is heated to remove snow and rainwater, then measurement accuracy can be maintained in adverse weather, but stray light may be generated inside the casing and reflected at the wiring portion, decreasing distance measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring portion, which could potentially cause harmful stray light reflection, is strategically positioned and oriented within the casing. By carefully designing its placement and angle, the wiring portion's reflective properties are converted into a non-interfering configuration where any reflected light does not reach the detection unit, thus eliminating measurement errors while maintaining the heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial arrangement and angular orientation of the wiring portion act as an intermediary solution between the heater function and the detection function. By positioning the wiring at specific angles and locations, it serves as a structural element that prevents stray light paths from reaching the detection unit, thereby protecting measurement accuracy while allowing the heater to function.
3Ease of operation
If the wiring portion is drawn out from the drawing hole to connect the heater wire to the power supply, then electrical connection can be established, but the wiring portion may reflect stray light toward the detection unit, causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the flexible substrate are given different functional qualities: the heater portion is optimized for thermal function with appropriate adhesive properties for secure attachment to the transparent window, while the wiring portion is optimized for electrical function with routing characteristics that prevent stray light reflection toward the detection unit. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between electrical connectivity and measurement precision.
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 degradation in distance measurement accuracy caused by stray light and securely attaches the heater wire to the transparent window, enhancing the reliability of the device in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A heater wire that heats the transparent window is formed on the flexible substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible substrate includes a heater portion and a wiring portion. A heater wire is formed in the heater portion. The heater portion is fixed to a transparent window. In the wiring portion, a wiring to the heater wire is formed. The wiring portion extends to a rear side of a casing in a case where a side on which the transparent window is provided in the casing is set as a front side. A fixing member fixes the wiring portion within the casing. A light shielding member is constituted to shield stray light from the fixing member toward a detection unit.