Heated Vehicle Window Retrofit With Temperature-Guided De-Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-heatable transparent windows in vehicles lack the capability for efficient de-icing and de-fogging, as they require high heating voltages that are not readily available in standard onboard systems, posing risks of window damage and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method to retrofit non-heatable transparent windows with an electric heating device, including a heating layer and temperature sensors, connected to a voltage supply and control device, which applies a controlled heating voltage between 30-60 volts to safely and efficiently de-ice or de-fog the window, preventing overheating and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high heating voltage is applied to de-ice the window efficiently, then de-icing speed is improved, but risk of window damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating voltage is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The control device modifies the heating voltage based on real-time temperature feedback from the temperature sensor, allowing the system to deliver high power when needed (for rapid de-icing) while preventing excessive voltage that could damage the window.
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensor provides continuous feedback about the window temperature to the control device. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor the heating process and adjust the voltage accordingly, ensuring efficient de-icing while preventing overheating and window damage through automatic voltage reduction when temperature thresholds are approached.
2Power
If high heating voltage is used to achieve adequate heating power, then heating effectiveness is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating voltage is dynamically adjusted to match the actual heating needs of the window. Rather than continuously applying high voltage, the system modulates the voltage based on temperature feedback, delivering high power only when necessary for rapid heating while reducing power consumption during maintenance phases, thus improving overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The control device activates heating when temperature thresholds indicate need for heating, and deactivates or reduces heating when the window reaches adequate temperature, creating an on-off or pulse-width modulated operation pattern that improves energy efficiency while maintaining adequate heating power when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a heating layer is added to the window to enable de-icing, then de-icing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is implemented as a thin transparent heating layer or foil rather than bulky heating elements. This thin-film approach enables de-icing capability while maintaining window transparency and minimizing structural complexity. The heating layer can be integrated into the window assembly without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the power source and heating layer. This control device manages the complex voltage regulation and temperature monitoring functions, allowing the heating layer itself to remain relatively simple while the intermediary handles the complexity of safe and efficient 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
Enables efficient de-icing and de-fogging of vehicle windows using lower voltages, reducing the risk of window damage and energy loss, while ensuring safe operation and adaptability to ambient temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
By means of the heat generated by the heating layer, condensed moisture, ice, and snow can be removed within a short time
Data Source
AI summary
A method to retrofit a transparent window which does not comprise an electric heating device, such as a vehicle windshield, with a transparent window having an electric heating device. The method includes (i) removing from the vehicle the transparent window which does not comprise an electric heating device, (ii) installing a transparent window, provided with an electric heating device, such as a heating layer, and at least one temperature sensor, to obtain a retrofitted heating transparent window, (iii) connecting the electric heating device to a voltage supply device such that by applying a heating voltage to the transparent window, and (iv) connecting a remote control device with the at least one temperature sensor and the voltage supply device.