Laminated Glazing Sensor for Targeted Windshield Demisting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive glazing systems, particularly in electric vehicles, face challenges in efficiently reducing mist on windshields without excessive electrical power consumption, as current demisting methods like electric fans and heated coatings require continuous operation, which reduces the vehicle's range.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glazing system incorporating a sensor device with a transmitter, detector, and a retroreflective target that uses electromagnetic radiation to detect mist and object proximity, allowing for targeted and efficient demisting by activating demisting systems only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric fans or heated coatings are used to remove mist from the windscreen, then the demisting function is effective, but electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects mist formation on the windscreen in advance, allowing the control unit to activate demisting means only when needed. This preliminary detection prevents unnecessary continuous operation of high-power demisting systems, thereby reducing electrical power consumption while maintaining effective demisting when required
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides continuous feedback about the windscreen surface condition to the control unit, which adjusts the operation of demisting means accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures demisting is activated only when mist is detected and deactivated when the surface is clear, optimizing energy usage while maintaining demisting effectiveness
2Reliability
If continuous operation of demisting systems is used, then mist is removed effectively, but the vehicle's drivable range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs preliminary detection of mist conditions, enabling the system to activate demisting only when necessary. This prevents wasteful continuous operation that would deplete battery power and reduce the vehicle's drivable range, while still ensuring effective demisting when mist is present
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously monitors the windscreen surface condition and autonomously triggers demisting only when mist is detected. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous high-power operation, thereby conserving energy and extending the vehicle's drivable range while maintaining effective demisting
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 solution enables early detection of mist and object proximity, allowing for timely and energy-efficient demisting, thereby extending the vehicle's range by minimizing unnecessary electrical power usage.
Implementation Method 1
transmitter means for emitting at least one (a first) beam of electromagnetic radiation, detector means for detecting electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
a target having a reflective surface for the first beam of electromagnetic radiation, the reflective surface of the target being a non-specular reflective surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A laminated glazing and related detection method is described. The laminated glazing has a detecting device to determine the presence of mist on a surface of the glazing and/or the presence of an object contacting or proximal the glazing. The detecting device comprises transmitter means for emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation, detector means for detecting electromagnetic radiation and a target for non-specular reflection of first beam of electromagnetic radiation. The transmitter means is configured to emit the beam of electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the target such that electromagnetic radiation reflects therefrom to illuminate a region of a major surface of the glazing. At least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected off the region is detectable by the detector means to provide a detection signal for detecting mist on the region and/or the presence of an object contacting or proximal the glazing. A detection method is also described.