Headlight Defogging System Using Internal Sensors and Heaters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headlight defogging/defrosting technologies based on forced air flow, especially those using the air conditioning system, are ineffective when the vehicle is stationary and exposed to fogging and frosting conditions, as they require the air conditioning system to be operational.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle headlight defogging/defrosting system that utilizes a sensory system to detect external and internal air temperature and moisture levels, coupled with electric fans and heaters, and an electronic control unit to manage air flow and heating, even when the engine is off, ensuring continuous operation and prevention of condensation on headlights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air conditioning system is used to provide forced air flow for defogging/defrosting, then the defogging effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes non-operational when the engine is off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple defogging mechanisms (air conditioning system, electric fans, and heating elements) into a single headlight assembly that can operate through different modes depending on engine status and environmental conditions, making the system universally applicable both when the engine is running and when it is off
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that selects between different defogging methods (air conditioning vs. electric fans/heaters) based on system availability and conditions, enabling seamless transition between operational modes without requiring the engine to be running
2Reliability
If ventilation openings are provided for forced air circulation during dynamic phase, then condensate removal is improved, but dust entry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically controllable ventilation openings that can open during dynamic phase for condensate removal and close during static phase to prevent dust entry, adapting the system's structural state to operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors vehicle motion state and environmental conditions to automatically control the ventilation openings, opening them when motion is detected for effective condensate removal and closing them when stationary to prevent dust contamination
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
Effectively prevents the formation of liquid or solid condensate on headlight lenses, both in static and dynamic conditions, while minimizing dust entry and maintaining performance without relying solely on the air conditioning system's operation.
Implementation Method 1
A motor vehicle with an automotive headlight defogging/defrosting system is provided, as claimed in the appended claims
Implementation Method 2
A motor vehicle with an automotive headlight defogging/defrosting system is provided, as claimed in the appended claims
Implementation Method 3
the headlights are provided with ventilation openings through which external air can flow into the headlights and the internal air can flow out thereof, thus creating a forced air circulation through the headlights
Implementation Method 4
an electronic control unit to manage air flow and heating
Data Source
AI summary
Motor vehicle (1) comprising headlights (2) and an air conditioning system (3) fluidically connected to the headlights (2) for supplying an air flow thereto, and comprising an electric fan (12) to generate the air flow, an electric heater (13) to heat the air flow generated by the electric fan (12), a sensory system (7,9) to measure air temperature and moisture inside the headlights (2), an electric heater (10) and an electric fan (11) arranged inside each headlight (2), and an electronic control unit (14) connected to the sensory system (7,9) to receive the measured quantities, to the electric fan (12) and the electric heater (13) of the air conditioning system (3), and the electric heaters (10) and the electric fans (11) in the headlights (2) to control operation thereof. The electronic control unit (14) is further designed to carry out one or more of the following headlight defogging/defrosting operations based on air temperature and moisture inside the headlights (2): a) operating in a timed manner, with internal combustion engine (16) off, the electric fans (11) in the headlights (2); b) operating in a timed manner, with internal combustion engine (16) off, the electric heater (13) of the air conditioning system (3) and, simultaneously, the electric fan (12) of the air conditioning system (3) or of the electric fans (11) in the headlights (2); and c) operating in a timed manner the electric heaters (10) in the headlights (2).