Patterned Tracks for Resistivity Optimization in Deicing Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric windshield heating systems face challenges with low resistivity coatings, leading to insufficient heating, excessive current draw, and safety risks, particularly when used on Low-E glass.
Innovation Solution
A device and system for resistivity optimization of electro-conductive coated or filmed surfaces, featuring a delivery unit for electrical current, patterned tracks that inhibit current flow, and a processor for controlling current supply, which creates separate sections on the surface to manage current flow and resistivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low resistivity conductive coatings (such as silver coating on Low-E glass) are used, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the heating efficiency deteriorates and excessive current draw occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive coating is segmented into multiple discrete heating zones or elements arranged in a pattern across the surface. This segmentation allows each zone to contribute to overall heating while the collective arrangement provides increased effective resistivity, preventing excessive current draw while maintaining heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the surface are assigned different heating characteristics through selectively placed conductive elements. The patterned arrangement creates local variations in current density and heating intensity, optimizing both conductivity and heating efficiency in different areas of the surface
2Reliability
If low resistivity conductive coatings are used, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but safety risks increase due to excessive current exposure
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the conductive coating into segmented heating zones, the total current is distributed across multiple paths rather than flowing through a single low-resistivity path. This reduces the current density and exposure risk while maintaining overall electrical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patterned arrangement of conductive elements acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the low-resistivity coating material and the electrical power source, transforming the excessive current characteristic into controlled, distributed heating while reducing direct exposure risks
3Reliability
If low resistivity conductive coatings are used, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the heating efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented pattern of conductive elements creates multiple heating zones that collectively provide increased effective resistivity. This allows the system to convert electrical energy more efficiently into heat while maintaining good electrical conductivity through the distributed element arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system utilizes a composite structure combining conductive coating material with a patterned substrate or additional conductive layers, creating a composite heating element that optimizes both electrical conductivity and resistive heating efficiency simultaneously
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 solution effectively increases the resistivity of the heating elements, ensuring efficient deicing and defogging operations while reducing the risk of excessive current and safety hazards, even on Low-E glass surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive materials such as electric coatings or films work on the principle of resistive heating. To illustrate, the conductive coatings applied on windshields possess resistivity such that the electric current passing through the materials encounters resistance resulting in the generation of heat.
Implementation Method 2
an patterned track applied on the electro-conductively coated or filmed surface, the patterned track inhibiting the electrical current flow across the patterned track, wherein the electrical current bypasses the patterned track while traversing through the electro-conductive coated surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for resistivity optimization of an electro-conductive coated or filmed surface for de-icing and defogging is provided. The device comprises: a delivery unit providing an electrical current to the electro-conductive coated or filmed surface; a patterned track applied on the electro-conductively coated or filmed surface, the patterned track inhibiting the electric current flow across the patterned track, wherein the electric current bypasses the patterned track while traversing through the electro-conductive coated or filmed surface; and a processor configured to control supply of the electrical current. The device further comprises a receiving unit configured to receive the electric current traversing through the electro-conductive coated or filmed surface.