Heated Optical Sensor Cover for Vehicle Condensation and Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moisture, such as condensation, frost, and ice, can block the transmission of radiation used by optical sensors in vehicles, reducing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A heated cover for optical sensors comprising a transparent substrate with a conductive layer and a heater wire surrounding the field-of-view, which generates heat to remove condensation and ice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional opaque sensor cover is used, then the sensor is protected from physical damage, but moisture and ice block radiation transmission, reducing sensor effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from an opaque state to a transparent state through electrochromic or thermochromic materials that change optical properties in response to electrical signals or temperature changes, allowing radiation transmission when needed while maintaining physical protection
Solution Approach 2:
The cover's optical transmission parameter is dynamically adjusted based on environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, ice detection), switching between transparent and opaque states to optimize both sensor effectiveness and protection
2Use of energy by moving object
If a transparent cover is used, then radiation transmission is maintained, but the cover cannot protect the sensor from physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cover combines transparent materials (glass or transparent polymer) with protective coatings or layered structures that provide both optical clarity and mechanical strength, achieving a balance between radiation transmission and physical protection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heating elements are added to remove ice, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Heating elements operate periodically or on-demand based on ice detection sensors rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective ice removal capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system incorporates feedback control through ice detection sensors that trigger heating only when ice or frost is detected, optimizing energy usage by activating heating elements only when necessary for safe operation
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 heated cover effectively removes condensation and ice, ensuring clear sensor operation by maintaining transparency and reducing energy consumption during charging.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive layer affixed to the substrate overlying a field-of-view (FOV) of the optical sensor and configured to generate heat
Implementation Method 2
a heater wire attached to the substrate and at least partially surrounding the FOV
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor assembly for a vehicle including: an optical sensor; a housing defining an interior chamber for holding the optical sensor; and a heated cover attached the housing and enclosing the interior chamber. In some embodiments, the heated cover includes: a substrate overlying the optical sensor; a conductive layer affixed to the substrate and overlying a field-of-view (FOV) of the optical sensor; and a heater wire attached to the substrate and at least partially surrounding the FOV. In some embodiments, each of the substrate and the conductive layer are transparent at a wavelength of light used by the optical sensor.