Inductive Windshield Heating for Clear Camera Viewing Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield heating systems for motor vehicles are ineffective in maintaining a clear camera viewing zone on the windshield, especially in conditions of fog, frost, or ice, which impairs the functionality of windshield-mounted camera systems.
Innovation Solution
A windshield heating system comprising a first inductive heating element embedded within a thermoplastic layer and a second inductive heating element positioned between the interior surface of the second glass layer and a camera bracket, establishing a wireless connection for heating the camera viewing zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional windshield heating systems are used, then general windshield heating is provided, but the camera viewing zone cannot be effectively cleared of condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing targeted heating zones within the windshield using selectively positioned heating elements (conductive paint or wire grids) that concentrate thermal energy specifically in the camera viewing zone areas, rather than providing uniform heating across the entire windshield. This localized approach ensures effective condensation clearance in critical camera areas while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical heating systems with electromagnetic induction heating technology. Induction heating elements generate electromagnetic fields that directly induce currents in the conductive material within the windshield, creating heat without mechanical contact. This substitution provides more precise and controllable heating in the camera viewing zones while simplifying the overall system implementation.
2Reliability
If heating elements are added to clear condensation, then camera viewing zone clarity is improved, but windshield structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing windshield laminated glass structure by integrating conductive paint or wire grid heating elements directly into the thermoplastic interlayer during the windshield manufacturing process. This integration combines multiple functions (structural integrity, condensation clearance, camera zone heating) into a single unified windshield assembly, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective camera viewing zone clarity.
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 clears condensation from the camera viewing zone, ensuring clear images can be captured by the windshield-mounted camera systems under all weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second inductive heating elements establish a wireless connection for heating a camera viewing zone of the windshield
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure details windshield heating systems for induction heating windshield camera viewing zones. An exemplary windshield heating system may include a first inductive heating element imbedded within a thermoplastic layer of the windshield and a second inductive heating element mounted between a glass layer of the windshield and a camera bracket. The first and second inductive heating elements establish a wireless connection for heating the camera viewing zone of the windshield.