Resonant Body Sensor for Aquaplaning Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for detecting roadway wetness are complex, costly, and require vehicle-type-specific adaptations, making them difficult to produce and assemble, and are prone to faults.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a structure-borne sound sensor and circuit carrier housed in a resonant body, mounted in a vehicle's wheel arch with vibration-damping connections, uses piezoelectric elements to detect vibrations from spray water droplets, providing a vehicle-type-independent and cost-effective solution for early aquaplaning detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation receivers and complex image analysis systems are used to detect roadway wetness, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex optical systems and implements it using a simple structure-borne sound sensor that directly detects vibrations from spray water droplets, eliminating the need for cameras, image processing units, and complex radiation detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical detection systems (radiation receivers, cameras) with a mechanical vibration detection system using a structure-borne sound sensor that detects mechanical vibrations caused by spray water droplets impacting the housing, simplifying the overall system architecture
2Measurement precision
If vehicle-type-specific adaptations are made to sensor devices, then detection accuracy for specific vehicles is improved, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sensor device with a standardized housing and mounting system that can be installed on different vehicle types without modification, using a flat constructed housing area that adapts to various wheel arch geometries while maintaining detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensor device into a self-contained modular unit with integrated housing, sensor, and mounting components that can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing standardized production that is then universally applicable to different vehicle types
3Measurement precision
If structure-borne sound sensors are mounted directly to vehicle structures, then vibration detection is enhanced, but fault susceptibility increases due to vibration transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the flat constructed housing area as an intermediary element between the spray water droplets and the structure-borne sound sensor, serving as a dedicated vibration transmission surface that isolates the sensor from other vibration sources while enhancing sensitivity to droplet impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs vibration-damping connecting means (such as damping elements or flexible mounting) that预先 cushion and filter out harmful vibrations from the vehicle structure before they reach the sensitive sensor components, protecting the device from fault-inducing vibrations while preserving detection capability
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 precise and simple detection of roadway wetness, reducing production complexity and fault susceptibility by decoupling vibrations and protecting electronic components, while allowing for easy mounting and adaptation across different vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
at least one structure-borne sound sensor, which is connected in a signal-conducting manner to a circuit carrier... the structure-borne sound sensor is connected to the flat constructed housing area, so as to conduct structure-borne sound signals
Implementation Method 2
uses piezoelectric elements to detect vibrations from spray water droplets
Implementation Method 3
the housing is constructed as a resonant body... The formation of a resonant body causes an amplification of the vibrations and thus of the structure-borne sound signals
Implementation Method 4
the connecting means is constructed to be vibration damping, at least in certain sections... The connecting means is constructed in a vibration damping manner, so that there is decoupling between the vehicle and the sensor device
Data Source
AI summary
In a sensor device for detecting moisture on a roadway of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, with at least one structure-borne sound sensor, with at least one circuit carrier, wherein the structure-borne sound sensor is connected in a signal-conducting manner to the circuit carrier, it is provided in a manner important for the invention that at least one structure-borne sound sensor is arranged in a housing, that the housing has at least one flat constructed housing area, that the structure-borne sound sensor is connected to the flat constructed housing area, so as to conduct structure-borne sound signals, and in that the housing is constructed as a resonant body, that the at least one circuit carrier is arranged in the housing, that the housing is provided for mounting in a wheel arch of a vehicle, that at least one connecting means for producing a connection between the housing and the wheel arch is assigned to the housing, and that the connecting means is constructed to be vibration damping, at least in certain sections.circuit carrier.