Heated Airflow Sensor Assembly for Dust and Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles' sensors are prone to dust, debris, frost, and ice accumulation, which degrade their accuracy and performance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a blower, air pump, and heater system that uses heated airflow to clean and de-ice sensors, including a piezoelectric air pump and resistive heating elements to maintain sensor clarity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are exposed to the external environment for detection, then they can detect objects and characteristics of surroundings, but they accumulate dust, debris, frost, and ice which degrade their accuracy and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes harmful contaminants (dust, debris, frost, ice) from the sensor surface using a dedicated cleaning system. The wiper assembly physically removes particulate matter while the heating element eliminates frost and ice accumulation, thereby maintaining sensor accuracy without requiring the sensor to be physically isolated from the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components (wiper assembly and heating element) that mediate between the sensor and the harmful environmental factors. These intermediaries protect the sensor by actively removing contaminants and preventing frost/ice formation, allowing the sensor to maintain reliability while remaining exposed for detection purposes.
2Reliability
If sensors are exposed to the external environment for detection, then they can detect objects and characteristics of surroundings, but they accumulate frost and ice which degrade their accuracy and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the sensor surface by incorporating a heating element. This heating element raises the local temperature above the freezing point, preventing frost and ice accumulation on the sensor surface, thereby maintaining sensor accuracy in cold environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If a cleaning system is added to remove dust and debris, then sensor accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a wiper assembly that can serve both as a dust/debris removal mechanism and as a structural component of the sensor housing. The heating element simultaneously prevents both frost formation and ice accumulation. This universal approach maintains sensor accuracy while minimizing the addition of separate dedicated components for each cleaning function.
4Reliability
If a heating element is added to prevent frost and ice, then sensor accuracy is maintained in cold conditions, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the heating element to operate only when frost or ice conditions are detected or anticipated (cold conditions). This selective operation maintains sensor accuracy in cold conditions while minimizing energy consumption during warmer periods when heating is unnecessary.
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 system effectively removes dust and ice, enhancing sensor accuracy and reliability by ensuring clear vision and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heater mounted to the air pump and positioned to heat airflow passing through the air pump
Implementation Method 2
The air pump may be a piezoelectric air pump
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a blower, a sensor, an air nozzle positioned to receive airflow from the blower and eject the airflow onto the sensor, an air pump positioned to eject airflow onto the sensor, and a heater mounted to the air pump and positioned to heat airflow passing through the air pump.