Vehicle Glazing Condensation Detection Using Total Internal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condensation detection systems in vehicles are prone to latency and fail to detect small condensation droplets, leading to impaired driver visibility and requiring manual intervention after condensation is already visible.
Innovation Solution
A glazed element for vehicles with a light source and photodetector system that uses total internal reflections in glass sheets to detect condensation droplets before they are visually noticeable, utilizing a light absorption layer and photodetector to enhance detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a capacitive sensor with interdigital electrodes is used to detect condensation, then visual detection is eliminated and driver concentration is reduced, but the sensor cannot detect the smallest droplets and has a latency of about ten seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitive sensing mechanism with an optical detection system. A light source emits light through the glazed unit, and a photodetector measures light transmission. When condensation forms on the internal face, it absorbs or scatters the light, causing a detectable change in light intensity. This optical substitution eliminates the ten-second latency of capacitive sensors while maintaining reliability for detecting even smallest droplets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical capacitance to optical transmission. By measuring light intensity transmission through the glazed unit instead of electrical capacity, the system achieves faster response times. The photodetector detects minute changes in light transmission caused by condensation droplets, enabling real-time detection without the temporal delay inherent in capacitive measurement methods.
2Ease of operation
If manual activation of temperature and ventilation regulators is used, then condensation control is achieved, but driver distraction occurs and detection is only possible after condensation is already visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic feedback system where the photodetector continuously monitors light transmission through the glazed unit. When condensation is detected (indicated by reduced light transmission), the system automatically activates temperature and ventilation controls without requiring driver intervention. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates driver distraction while providing early detection before condensation becomes visually noticeable to the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system operates autonomously without requiring driver action. The photodetector self-monitors the glazed unit for condensation, and the system self-activates appropriate controls when condensation is detected. This eliminates the need for manual driver intervention while maintaining continuous monitoring capability, ensuring early detection and automatic response to condensation conditions.
3Area of stationary object
If a large detection surface area is used, then detection coverage is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the entire glazed unit surface functional as a detection surface. The light source and photodetector are positioned to illuminate and detect across the full area of the glazed unit, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensor components. This multi-functional approach uses the glazed unit itself for both its primary function (providing visibility) and detection function, thereby increasing detection coverage without adding system complexity.
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
Enables early detection of condensation droplets, reducing driver distraction by automatically activating ventilation or temperature controls, thereby maintaining clear visibility through the glazed unit.
Implementation Method 1
the light source being arranged so that the light beam propagates in the first glass sheet from the first edge toward the second edge by several total internal reflections on the first face and on the second face
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector configured to detect the light beam emitted by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A glazed element includes a glazed unit including a first glass sheet, the first glass sheet having a first face and a second face, the glazed unit having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, the glazed element including a light source configured to emit a light beam, and a photodetector configured to detect the light beam emitted by the light source, the light source being arranged so that the light beam propagates in the first glass sheet from the first edge toward the second edge by several total internal reflections on the first face and on the second face, the photodetector being arranged outside the glazed unit and on the side of the first face relative to the first glass sheet, the photodetector being configured to receive the light beam passing through at least a part of the detection surface.