Heatable Sensor Window Layout Without Optical Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pane arrangements for optical sensors in vehicles and aircraft suffer from optical distortions and light diffraction due to heating wires used for de-icing and condensation removal, which compromise the transparency and functionality of the sensor windows.

Innovation Solution

A pane arrangement with a heatable sensor window, featuring a composite pane with a first heating element positioned below the electromagnetic radiation beam path and a second heating element surrounding the sensor window, which can be controlled independently to maintain transparency and prevent condensation, thereby minimizing optical distortions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heating wires are used to de-ice and remove condensation from the sensor window, then the sensor window can be kept free of ice and condensation, but optical distortions and light diffraction occur that compromise sensor functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidoptical distortions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heating function from the optical path by positioning heating elements on the rear side of the sensor window, outside the beam path of electromagnetic radiation. This separates the heating function from the optical transmission function, eliminating optical distortions while maintaining de-icing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate structure (rear side mounting surface) as a mediator between the heating elements and the sensor window. This allows thermal energy to be transferred to the sensor window without the heating elements being in the optical path, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of heating and optical clarity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single heating element is used to heat the sensor window, then the structure is simple, but the heating uniformity and control precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating structureVSAvoidheating uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heating function into multiple independent heating elements arranged in a matrix pattern on the rear side of the sensor window. This segmentation allows different regions to be heated independently, improving heating uniformity and enabling precise local control of temperature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different heating characteristics to different regions by using multiple independently controllable heating elements. Each heating element can be activated based on local temperature requirements, providing localized heating control that matches the actual thermal distribution needs of the sensor window

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If heating elements are positioned in the electromagnetic radiation beam path, then the heating effect is direct and efficient, but optical distortions and light diffraction are caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the heating element positioning from the optical dimension (in front of the sensor window in the beam path) to the rear dimension (behind the sensor window). This dimensional change allows heating to occur without interfering with the electromagnetic radiation transmission path, maintaining both heating efficiency and optical clarity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively de-ices and maintains the sensor window without introducing optical distortions, ensuring uninterrupted sensor functionality and improved transparency, comparable to traditional heating wire systems but without the associated optical issues.

Implementation Method 1

a first heating element (11) which is arranged below the beam path (8) of the electromagnetic radiation (9) on the outer surface (6.2) or on the inner surface (6.1) of the enclosure (6)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a second heating element (12) which is arranged in a region of the composite pane (2) surrounding the sensor window (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20240157912A1Pane arrangement with a heatable sensor window

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE

AI summary

A pane arrangement with a heatable sensor window includes a composite pane including an outer pane having an exterior-side surface and an interior-side surface and an inner pane having an exterior-side surface and an interior-side surface, which are joined to one another via at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer; an enclosure arranged on the interior-side surface of the inner pane and having an inner surface and an outer surface; a radiation receiver and/or a radiation source, which face(s) the composite pane within the enclosure such that a beam path of electromagnetic radiation passes through a sensor window of the composite pane; a first heating element; and a second heating element. The first heating element is arranged below the beam path on the outer surface or on the inner surface of the enclosure and the second heating element is arranged in a region of the composite pane surrounding the sensor window.