Piezo-Electric Windshield Sensors for Vibration-Based Condition Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle systems for determining the condition of windshields, such as rain sensors, often suffer from inaccuracies and noise interference, leading to false activation or deactivation of wipers, particularly in complex weather conditions or when only a small area of the windshield is affected.

Innovation Solution

The use of at least two piezo-electric sensors mechanically coupled to the windshield to gather vibration data, enabling triangulation and multi-dimensional input for precise condition determination, including the ability to distinguish between water droplets, snow, and other objects, and to filter out noise and interference, with the aid of artificial intelligence for enhanced accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single photo-electric sensor is used to measure reflectivity in a small dedicated area of the windshield, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of windshield condition determination deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor arrangementVSAvoidwindshield condition determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the windshield monitoring function into multiple piezo-electric sensors distributed across different areas of the windshield. Each sensor independently monitors its local area, and the control unit integrates signals from multiple sensors to achieve comprehensive windshield condition assessment, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from optical measurement (photo-electric sensors measuring reflectivity) to mechanical vibration measurement (piezo-electric sensors detecting vibrations). This dimensional change enables triangulation-based localization and provides multi-dimensional input for condition determination, significantly improving measurement precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single sensor is used to provide statistical data for the whole windshield, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of windshield condition determination deteriorates due to false negative and false positive errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor configurationVSAvoidwindshield condition determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple piezo-electric sensors distributed across the windshield, each monitoring specific areas. The control unit processes signals from multiple sensors to determine overall windshield condition, enabling cross-validation that reduces false negative and false positive errors while maintaining reasonable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit integrates and processes signals from multiple piezo-electric sensors, using the combined information to make reliable decisions about windshield condition. This feedback mechanism allows the system to cross-check sensor readings and eliminate erroneous signals, significantly improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If photo-electric sensors are used to measure reflectivity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to noise and interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor typeVSAvoidcondition data determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical measurement systems (photo-electric sensors) with mechanical vibration measurement systems (piezo-electric sensors). This substitution eliminates susceptibility to optical noise and interference while providing robust vibration-based data for windshield condition determination, achieving high measurement precision without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach provides a more precise and robust determination of windshield conditions, reducing false errors and ensuring accurate operation of wipers and washers, thereby enhancing vehicle safety and driver information, while also allowing for adaptive learning and crowd-based improvements.

Implementation Method 1

measurement data based on measurement signals from at least two piezo-electric sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3766746B1Method, device, computer program and computer program product for operating a vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.01.05 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

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AI summary

A Method for operating a vehicle (10) comprises: - providing measurement data based on measurement signals from at least two piezo-electric sensors (21, 22) mechanically coupled to a windshield (30) of the vehicle (10) in a spaced apart manner, wherein the at least two piezo-electric sensors (21, 22) are mechanically coupled to the windshield (30) in such a way, that the measurement signals are representative of vibrations of the windshield (30), and - determining condition data dependent on the measurement data, the condition data being representative of a condition of the windshield (30).