Inductive Windshield Heating With Slits for Uniform ADAS Deicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating systems for vehicle windshields result in non-uniform heating due to varying eddy current density, which affects the performance of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by obstructing sensors with frost, ice, or snow, and traditional 12V power sources are inefficient for rapid deicing.
Innovation Solution
A window heating system with a conductive layer featuring slits or a rough surface, combined with an induction coil, redirects induced currents for uniform heating, using AC power to generate magnetic flux and eddy currents, ensuring consistent temperature distribution across the sensor's field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a regular pattern of fine wire is used in the camera view zone, then the resistance near the view zone edge is identical to the resistance in the center, but the eddy current density increases towards the edge resulting in non-uniform heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the conductive layer pattern in different regions of the heating element. Specifically, the conductive material is arranged with different densities or configurations in the center versus the edges of the camera view zone, creating locally optimized current distribution that compensates for the natural tendency of eddy currents to concentrate at edges, thereby achieving uniform heating across the entire view zone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional 12V power sources are used for deicing, then the system is compatible with common vehicle power systems, but the deicing process takes a considerable amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional resistive heating mechanism (which uses DC current flowing through resistance) with induction heating (which uses electromagnetic induction to generate eddy currents directly in the conductive layer). This substitution enables rapid heating while maintaining compatibility with standard vehicle 12V power sources, as the induction coil can be driven by AC current generated from the DC supply through an inverter circuit.
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 achieves uniform heating of the windshield, maintaining clear sensor visibility by minimizing temperature differences and ensuring reliable ADAS performance in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An induction coil is operatively positioned on the No. 4 surface to generate magnetic flux to induce currents and generate heat on the conductive layer
Implementation Method 2
Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object by electromagnetic induction, where eddy currents are generated within the conductive object
Implementation Method 3
Because the conductive object has electrical resistivity, Joule heating results in the conductive object
Data Source
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AI summary
An inductive coupled window heating system and method having a conductive layer is disclosed. The conductive layer includes at least one slit around the peripheral edges of a targeted heating zone. The slits guide induced eddy currents from areas having high current density to areas having low current density to provide uniform heating in a targeted heating zone. An inductive coupled window heating system having a conductive layer with rough surfaces is also disclosed. Conductive layers with a rough surface increase the eddy current path length and increase the effective surface area or magnetic flux that leads to a higher metallization loss and more heat transferred to the heating zone on the window.