Heatable Transparent Sensor Array for Vehicle Pane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors in vehicles and aircraft are hindered by condensation and icing, which reduce the transmission of electromagnetic radiation and interfere with sensor functionality, especially since conventional heating methods are inefficient and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A heatable, optically transparent sensor array integrated into a pane using a support film with a heatable coating, printed conductors, or heating wires, combined with encapsulation to protect the sensor from dirt and moisture, allowing only the necessary field of vision to be heated, ensuring clear transmission of visible and infrared light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heating methods are used to prevent condensation and ice on the pane, then the sensor area can be kept clear, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is applied selectively only to the sensor area of the pane, rather than heating the entire pane surface. This localized heating approach prevents condensation and ice formation only where the optical sensor needs to function, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to conventional full-pane heating methods while maintaining sensor reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is segmented into discrete heating elements that can be independently controlled and applied to specific regions of the pane. This allows the heating function to be divided into multiple zones, with only the sensor area being heated when needed, optimizing energy efficiency while ensuring sensor functionality.
2Reliability
If the entire pane is heated to prevent condensation and ice, then complete coverage is achieved, but energy consumption and voltage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is configured to provide thermal protection only to the sensor area, creating a localized heated zone rather than heating the entire pane. This reduces the total energy and voltage requirements while maintaining adequate protection against condensation and ice in the critical sensor region.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying heating across the entire pane surface, the system applies partial heating only to the extent necessary for sensor functionality. This partial action approach achieves sufficient condensation prevention in the sensor area without the excessive energy and voltage consumption that would result from full-pane heating.
3Ease of manufacture
If wiper systems are used to remove water and dirt from the pane, then cleaning is achieved, but they are inadequate for removing ice
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical wiper system is replaced or supplemented with a thermal field (heating element) to remove ice from the pane. While wipers provide mechanical cleaning for water and dirt, the heating element uses thermal energy to melt and prevent ice formation, providing a non-mechanical solution that is effective for ice removal in the sensor area.
4Ease of manufacture
If the sensor and pane arrangement are encapsulated to protect from dirt and dust, then contamination is reduced, but moisture can still penetrate and condense on the inside of the pane
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element serves as an intermediary solution that addresses the moisture condensation problem inside the encapsulated sensor area. By providing localized heating to the sensor region, the system prevents moisture from condensing on the inner surface of the pane, complementing the encapsulation's protection against external dirt and dust while addressing internal condensation issues.
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 solution maintains sensor functionality by keeping the sensor area clear of condensation and ice, reducing energy consumption while ensuring high transparency and effective electromagnetic signal transmission, thus enhancing the reliability of optical sensors in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The heatable film (3) comprises a support film (3a) and, on the side of the support film (3a) turned away from the optically transparent sensor array (2), a heatable coating (3b) and/or heating wires (3c)
Implementation Method 2
The sensor array (2) and the heatable film (3) are affixed to one another. The sensor array (2) and the heatable film (3) are affixed to one another. The pane with sensor array and heatable film ensures clear transmission of visible and infrared light
Implementation Method 3
keeping the sensor area clear of condensation and ice
Data Source
AI summary
A pane having a heatable, optically transparent sensor array comprising at least: a) a pane, b) at least one optically transparent sensor array on the surface of the pane, c) at least one heatable film which is fitted to the optically transparent sensor array, comprising at least: c1) a support film, c2) a heatable coating, printed conductors, meshes and/or heating wires on the support film, d) at least one electrical contact-making means, which is fitted to the heatable coating and/or to the heating wires, and e) encapsulation, which is fitted to the optically transparent sensor array and to the heatable film, and a sensor which is fitted in the encapsulation.