Fog Removing Device With Recess Electrode Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fog removing systems for vehicles rely on multiple sensors, which can be inaccurate due to sensor precision and deterioration, and do not effectively reflect the actual driver's view of fog, leading to inefficient fog removal.
Innovation Solution
A fog removing device with a sensor system comprising a substrate, first and second electrodes electrically disconnected, and a recess region between them, which generates sensing data to control a heater for fog removal, ensuring accurate detection and prevention of excessive operation based on the width of the recess region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are provided to detect fog, then the detection coverage is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor deterioration and precision variations
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple independent electrode pairs (first electrode with second electrode, third electrode with fourth electrode) arranged in different regions. Each electrode pair independently detects fog in its local area, allowing the system to cover a wider detection area while maintaining high precision through individual electrode pair measurements rather than relying on a single deteriorating sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer with controlled permeability acts as an intermediary between the electrodes and the fog. This layer allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water, enabling the electrodes to detect fog presence through electrical conductivity changes caused by water vapor penetration, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring direct electrode contact with fog
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then the manufacturing ease is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation between electrodes, controls the permeability of water vapor to enable selective detection, and forms a structured recess region for enhanced sensitivity. This multi-functionality allows the sensor to maintain high measurement precision while using a relatively simple fabrication process that deposits a single layered structure
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer is designed with spatially varying properties: the recess region has different thickness and permeability characteristics compared to the surrounding areas. This local quality variation enables the sensor to achieve high measurement precision in critical detection zones while maintaining overall structural simplicity and ease of manufacture
3Measurement precision
If the recess region width is reduced to improve detection sensitivity, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer's permeability parameter is precisely controlled through its thickness and material composition, particularly in the recess region. By adjusting these parameters during fabrication, the system achieves high detection sensitivity through optimized water vapor permeability without requiring extremely tight tolerances on the recess region dimensions, thus balancing manufacturing feasibility with detection performance
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 device effectively detects and removes fog by electrically connecting electrodes when fog obstructs the driver's view, preventing unnecessary operation and enhancing visibility by using the sensing data to control the heater's power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode and a second electrode, which are provided on the substrate and electrically disconnected from each other; and a recess region defined between the first and second electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to generate heat to remove the fog
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fog removing device including a sensor configured to detect fog to generate sensing data, a heater configured to generate heat to remove the fog, and a control unit configured to supply a power to the heater by using the sensing data. The sensor includes a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, which are provided on the substrate and electrically disconnected from each other, and a recess region defined between the first and second electrodes.