Rain Sensor Device Integrating RFID for Contactless Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rain sensor devices for motor vehicles require a large number of transmitting elements to reliably detect precipitation intensity on a translucent pane, which can lead to inefficiencies and inconvenience in use, particularly when combined with the need for multiple access controls and identification processes.

Innovation Solution

A rain sensor device integrated with a communication device for contactless radio frequency identification (RFID) is arranged on the windshield, allowing for the detection of precipitation and simultaneous identification using electromagnetic waves, reducing the need for multiple access controls and enhancing convenience by enabling identification while driving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large number of transmitting elements are used to reliably detect precipitation intensity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecipitation intensity detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of transmitting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple transmitting elements into a single integrated transmitting unit that emits electromagnetic radiation patterns capable of detecting precipitation intensity. This merging approach maintains the measurement precision that would otherwise require multiple separate elements while significantly reducing the overall device complexity and component count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitting element is designed to serve multiple functions: it emits electromagnetic radiation for precipitation detection, and the same radiation pattern is used to detect both the presence and intensity of precipitation. This multi-functionality allows a single element to perform what would traditionally require multiple specialized elements, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple access controls and identification processes are implemented, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control securityVSAvoidconvenience of access control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rain sensor device with a communication device capable of contactless radio frequency identification into a single integrated unit. This combination allows the system to handle both precipitation detection and identification functions simultaneously, maintaining security through multiple access control mechanisms while improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for separate identification devices or manual processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device enables automatic identification and access control processes that occur without user intervention. The communication device automatically performs identification functions while the rain sensor operates concurrently, allowing the system to serve itself by handling security and detection tasks autonomously, thus improving ease of operation without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 integration of RFID technology in the rain sensor device allows for efficient precipitation detection and streamlined access controls, enhancing user convenience and standardizing access processes across different parking areas and toll systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one transmitting element for emitting electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation emission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

At least part of the emitted radiation is reflected from the detected area onto one or more receiving elements of the rain sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

communication device for contactless radio frequency identification

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3286045B1Rain sensor device for detecting precipitation, comprising a communication device, driver assistance system, motor vehicle, and method
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
  • EP3286045B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3286045B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3286045B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a rain sensor device (3) for detecting precipitation on a translucent pane (6) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising at least one transmission element (17) for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, a receiving element (18) for receiving at least one part of the transmitted radiation, a computing device (28) for determining an intensity of the precipitation dependent on the received radiation, and a housing (5) in which the at least one transmission element (17), the receiving element (18), and the computing device (28) are arranged. The rain sensor device (3) has a communication device (8) for identifying radio frequencies in a contactless manner, said communication device additionally being arranged in the housing (5).