Lens Heating Connector Assembly for LED Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighting systems using LED bulbs do not generate sufficient waste heat to melt snow or ice on lenses, leading to reduced luminous transmittance and performance degradation in low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a resistive heating circuit on the lens surface, powered by an electrical current, to heat and clear ice and snow, with a connector assembly providing an electrical connection for the heating circuit, including a receptacle terminal and post terminal configuration for secure attachment and efficient heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED bulbs are used for energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but waste heat generation is insufficient to melt snow and ice on the lens
Solution Approach 1:
A resistive heating circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the lens. This separate heating system provides the necessary thermal energy to melt snow and ice on the lens without requiring the LED bulb itself to generate excessive heat, thus maintaining energy efficiency while solving the snow/ice accumulation problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two functions into one integrated system: the LED lighting function and the lens heating function. The resistive heating circuit is incorporated into the lens structure, creating a hybrid system that provides both illumination and anti-icing capabilities through a unified design rather than separate components.
2Illumination intensity
If snow or ice forms on the lens, then luminous transmittance is reduced, but adding heating elements increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive heating circuit is implemented as a thin film or trace pattern directly on the lens surface or integrated into the lens structure. This approach maintains the lens's optical properties while providing effective heating, avoiding the need for bulky external heating elements that would increase device complexity and potentially interfere with light transmission.
3Illumination intensity
If a heating device is added to melt snow and ice, then luminous transmittance is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is designed to serve multiple functions: optical transmission, structural support, and thermal management through integrated resistive heating. By making the lens itself a multi-functional component rather than adding separate dedicated heating devices, the overall system complexity is minimized while maintaining anti-icing capabilities.
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
Maintains luminous transmittance of the lens at or above 0.9 by effectively melting snow and ice, ensuring consistent lighting performance in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting assembly having a device configured to heat a lens of the lighting assembly
Implementation Method 2
sufficiently heat a lighting system lens to melt snow and ice
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly is presented herein. The lighting assembly includes a receptacle terminal having a connection portion defining an aperture configured to receive a corresponding plug terminal along a longitudinal axis and a terminal housing defining an opening and a cavity in which the connection portion is disposed. The connection portion is sized, shaped, and arranged within the cavity to be movable along a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.