Automotive Glazing Impact Detection Using Dual-Sided Vibration Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current impact detection systems for automotive glazing are not sufficiently accurate and cost-effective in determining the location and severity of impacts, such as gravel or grit hits, which can compromise windshield security and increase maintenance costs if not addressed promptly.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least one internal vibration sensor positioned on or in proximity to the internal surface and one external vibration sensor on the external surface of the automotive glazing, connected to a processing unit that post-processes impact vibration data for accurate impact detection, using conductive coatings for electronic connections and potentially wireless data transfer, and powered by a readily available source or energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only internal or only external vibration sensors are used, then the system structure is simpler, but the impact detection accuracy and location determination precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function into two separate parts: internal vibration sensors positioned inside the vehicle and external vibration sensors positioned outside the vehicle. Each sensor type captures vibration data from its respective location, and the processing unit combines these segmented data sources to achieve comprehensive impact detection with high accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-sided sensing to dual-sided sensing by adding the external dimension. Internal sensors measure vibrations from the interior side of the glazing while external sensors measure from the exterior side, creating a three-dimensional sensing framework that significantly improves impact location determination precision and detection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and processing units are added to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle various sensor types (internal and external vibration sensors) and perform multiple tasks including data acquisition, signal processing, impact detection, and location determination. This universal design consolidates functionality into a single unit, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the internal sensor data and external sensor data processing functions into a single integrated processing unit. By combining these functions rather than using separate processing units for each sensor type, the system reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while achieving accurate impact location determination through coordinated analysis of both sensor inputs
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
This system provides improved accuracy and efficiency in detecting impacts on automotive glazing by measuring both internal and external vibrations, allowing for precise location determination and minimizing maintenance costs through enhanced data processing and connectivity options.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration sensors are configured to measure impact vibration data
Implementation Method 2
The external vibration sensor and/or the internal vibration sensor comprise a conductive coating for electronic connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for impact detection on an automotive glazing. The system comprises at least one internal vibration sensor positioned on or in proximity to an internal surface of the automotive glazing and at least one external vibration sensor positioned on an external surface of the automotive glazing, the vibration sensors being configured to measure impact vibration data. The system further comprises a processing unit connected to the vibration sensors, the processing unit being configured to post-process the measured impact vibration data for impact detection. This constitutes an improved system for impact detection on an automotive glazing.