Vehicle Rain Detection Light Guide Dual Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rain detection systems in vehicles are not sufficiently reliable and efficient, particularly in measuring rain intensity and ambient light levels, which can affect wiper control and other vehicle functions.
Innovation Solution
A rain detection device that combines a camera, a light source, and a light guide to redirect light for both rain detection and ambient light measurement, using the same light guide for both functionalities, which improves housing protection, reduces material and manufacturing costs, and enhances electromagnetic compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate light guides and openings are used for light emission and ambient light measurement, then functional independence is improved, but housing complexity and vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single light guide to perform dual functions: guiding light from the light source for rain detection and guiding ambient light to the light sensor. This universal design reduces the number of components and openings in the housing while maintaining both functional capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between functional independence and housing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings are provided in the housing for light guide integration, then functional capability is improved, but protection against environmental damage and electromagnetic emissions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of housing openings from two to one by making the light guide universal for both light emission and ambient light guidance. This single opening design minimizes exposure to environmental damage and electromagnetic emissions while preserving full functional capability for both rain detection and ambient light measurement
3Reliability
If separate light guides are used for light emission and ambient light guidance, then functional performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of two separate light guides into a single light guide structure. This combination reduces material usage and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the functional performance needed for both light emission and ambient light guidance, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture
4Device complexity
If ambient light measurement is not integrated, then system simplicity is improved, but rain detection reliability and calibration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates ambient light measurement functionality into the existing light guide structure, allowing the same optical path to serve both rain detection and ambient light sensing. This integration improves rain detection reliability through calibration while maintaining system simplicity by avoiding separate dedicated components
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 device provides improved reliability and efficiency in rain detection, calibrates the system using ambient light levels, and can be integrated into existing driver assistance systems, enhancing wiper control and other vehicle functions like headlamp control and display settings.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (201). The light guide (201) is configured for redirecting the light emitted by the light source (102)
Implementation Method 2
The light guide (201) is configured for directing ambient light to the light sensor (120)
Implementation Method 3
a light sensor (120) for measuring an ambient light level
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rain detection device (200) for a vehicle. The rain detection device comprises a camera, a light source (102) for emitting light for rain detection, a light sensor (120) for measuring an ambient light level, and a light guide (201). The light guide (201) is configured for redirecting the light emitted by the light source. Furthermore, the light guide (201) is configured for directing ambient light to the light sensor.