Radar Housing Frame Heating for Large De-Iced Radiation Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems, particularly 4D radars, face challenges in effectively defrosting and de-icing larger radiation windows due to increased size requirements, which can impair transmissivity and create weak spots, especially when using conventional heating methods.
Innovation Solution
A housing structure with a heating apparatus that includes resistance heaters arranged on the side walls of the frame region and radiation window, utilizing convection heating to evenly distribute heat and prevent ice formation, allowing for efficient de-icing of larger radiation windows without compromising transmissivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heating wires are used to heat the radiation window, then de-icing function is provided, but the transmissivity of the radiation window is reduced and heating wire melting risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the radiation window material itself and relocated to the frame region surrounding the radiation window. This allows the radiation window to remain free of heating wires, preserving its transmissivity, while the frame region serves as the new location for heating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame region acts as an intermediary between the heating wires and the radiation window. The heating wires are embedded in the frame region, which then transfers heat to the radiation window through conduction and convection, eliminating the need for direct integration of heating wires in the radiation window material.
2Temperature
If heating wire density is increased to sufficiently temperature-control larger radiation windows, then heating effectiveness is improved, but transmissivity is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the radiation window material itself and relocated to the frame region surrounding the radiation window. This allows the radiation window to remain free of heating wires, preserving its transmissivity, while the frame region serves as the new location for heating elements.
3Temperature
If heating wires are laid around the edge region of the radiation window, then the region between radiation window and frame is heated, but plastic deformation occurs creating weak spots
Solution Approach 1:
The heating wire arrangement transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout around the edge to a three-dimensional configuration within the frame region's depth. This allows the heating wires to be positioned in multiple layers and orientations within the frame, distributing mechanical stress and avoiding plastic deformation while still effectively heating the edge region.
4Measurement precision
If 4D radar with larger radiation window is implemented, then imaging capability is improved, but de-icing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating zones corresponding to different regions of the frame (front, rear, left, right sides). Each heating zone can be independently controlled, allowing for targeted de-icing of specific areas, which simplifies the overall control system while effectively handling the larger radiation window surface area.
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 ensures effective de-icing of larger radiation windows with minimal impact on transmissivity, preventing heat peaks and maintaining reliable radar performance, suitable for 4D radar technology.
Implementation Method 1
The heating apparatus (4) comprises at least one resistance heater
Implementation Method 2
utilizing convection heating to evenly distribute heat
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a housing structure (1) for a vehicle radar system. The housing includes a radiation window (2), made at least partly of plastic, which allows radar signals to pass through. Surrounding the window is a frame (3) with side walls that are positioned in a different direction than the window itself. The housing also includes a heating system (4), which has at least one resistance heater. This heater is placed partly on the side walls of the frame and partly on or near the radiation window to help keep the area clear, likely from ice or condensation.