Rearview Mirror Sensor Layout for Windshield Misting Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle environmental control systems for predicting internal misting of windshields are aesthetically unattractive and distracting, and the placement of sensors near the windshield can lead to inaccurate readings of ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle environmental control system with a window temperature sensor assembly mounted on the windshield and separate humidity and temperature sensor assemblies placed within the rearview mirror housing, allowing for more accurate representation of cabin conditions and improved aesthetics by avoiding direct placement on the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor assemblies are placed in a common housing on the windshield, then the structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the driver's vision is obscured and the driver is distracted
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate components: a first temperature sensor assembly mounted on the windshield and a second temperature-humidity sensor assembly mounted in the rearview mirror housing. This segmentation allows each sensor to be positioned optimally without compromising driver vision while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
2Device complexity
If the ambient temperature and humidity sensors are enclosed near the windshield, then the housing structure is simplified, but the sensor readings are not representative of the main passenger cabin conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The second temperature and humidity sensor assembly is extracted from the windshield area and relocated to the rearview mirror housing, which is positioned within the main passenger cabin. This extraction ensures that the sensors measure the actual ambient conditions in the cabin rather than being influenced by the localized environment near the windshield.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor assemblies are placed separately, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rearview mirror housing serves multiple functions: it houses the second temperature and humidity sensor assembly, provides a mounting location away from the windshield, and integrates with existing vehicle mirror support structures. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the separate sensor placement.
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
This configuration reduces driver distraction, provides accurate predictions of windshield misting, and allows for independent measurement of cabin conditions to enhance passenger comfort, preempting misting issues effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a window temperature sensor assembly for sensing the temperature of an interior surface of a vehicle window
Implementation Method 2
a humidity sensor assembly for sensing the ambient air humidity within the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a second temperature sensor assembly for sensing the temperature of the humidity sensor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental control system for a vehicle, in particular for predicting internal misting of a vehicle windscreen, the system comprising a windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28, an ambient humidity sensor assembly 32 and a second temperature sensor assembly 30 for sensing the temperature of the humidity sensor assembly 32. The windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28 is mounted on an interior rearview mirror support bracket 10 for engagement with the interior surface 18 of the windscreen, and the second temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are mounted within a rearview mirror housing 12 mounted to the mirror support bracket 10.