Radar Radome Deposit Detection With Localized Heating Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting and controlling precipitation deposits on radar sensor domes are not sensitive enough to detect deposits early and often require unnecessary energy consumption, especially in battery-electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A method using radar sensors to emit transmission signals, capture reflected signals with multiple antennas, determine attenuation parameters, and output heating signals based on these parameters to control heating elements locally and efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the heating element is activated based on outside temperature threshold values, then the radome can be heated to prevent precipitation deposits, but energy is wasted when no deposits are present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of precipitation depositsVSAvoidenergy consumption of heating element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of precipitation deposits using radar signal attenuation measurement before activating the heating element. By detecting the presence of deposits in advance through analyzing signal attenuation characteristics, the system can activate heating only when necessary, preventing energy waste while ensuring reliable precipitation prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the radome surface for precipitation deposits by analyzing attenuation parameters of radar signals reflected from the radome. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to dynamically adjust heating element activation based on real-time deposit detection, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliable protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the heating element is activated early to detect precipitation deposits, then deposits can be removed before affecting radar performance, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of assistance systemsVSAvoidenergy consumption of heating element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces direct mechanical/thermal detection methods with electromagnetic field-based radar signal attenuation measurement. By using the radar system's own transmitted signals to detect precipitation deposits through attenuation analysis, the system achieves early detection without requiring additional sensors or continuous heating, thus maintaining reliability while optimizing energy use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the heating element is controlled based on general temperature conditions, then the control system is simple, but it cannot detect localized precipitation deposits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoiddetection of precipitation deposits

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the radome surface into multiple heating regions, each associated with specific transmit/receive antenna pairs. By analyzing signal attenuation for each antenna pair independently, the system can detect and respond to localized precipitation deposits on specific portions of the radome, maintaining relatively simple control architecture while achieving precise deposit detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables early detection and localized heating of precipitation deposits, reducing energy waste and extending the range of battery-electric vehicles by optimizing temperature control.

Implementation Method 1

The heating element can be activated by means of a heating signal. Consequently, the temperature of the radome can be controlled. The precipitation deposit in the form of ice, snow and/or the like can therefore be removed.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

capturing a received signal by means of at least two receiving antennas of the radar sensor, wherein the received signal describes the transmission signal reflected by an object in the surroundings of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

determining an attenuation parameter which describes an attenuation of the received signal, caused by precipitation deposits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250370097A1Method for Detecting Precipitation Deposits on a Radome and For Open-Loop and/or Closed-Loop Control of at Least One Heating Element of the Radome, Computing Device, Computer-Readable (Storage) Medium and Temperature-Controllable Radar Sensor System

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A method detects precipitation deposits on a radome of a radar sensor of a vehicle and open-loop and/or closed-loop controls at least one heating clement of the radome.