Vehicle Sensor Cover Heating Control for Ice-Blocked Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensor devices face reduced detection accuracy and wasteful power consumption due to adhering substances like ice, snow, or frost on the outer cover, which obstruct electromagnetic waves.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor device with a control unit that manages the output of detection signals based on the presence of adhering substances, stopping signal output when the heater is on to prevent obstruction and conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the heater is continuously operated to remove adhering substances, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit switches the heater between ON and OFF states based on detection results. When adhering substances are detected (reflected wave intensity exceeds threshold), the heater is activated to remove them. When no adhering substances are present, the heater is deactivated. This periodic operation maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Measurement precision
If the heater is operated to remove adhering substances, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection signal output becomes unreliable during heating period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection to identify when adhering substances are present before initiating heater operation. The control unit monitors reflected wave intensity and only activates the heater when the intensity exceeds a predetermined threshold, indicating adhering substances. This preliminary detection ensures the heater is activated only when necessary, maintaining reliable detection signals during normal operation while improving accuracy when needed.
3Loss of information
If the control unit continuously outputs detection signals, then information availability is improved, but power wastage occurs when heater is active
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit outputs detection signals periodically based on the heater's operational state. During periods when the heater is OFF and detection is reliable, the control unit outputs detection signals normally. During periods when the heater is ON and detection accuracy is compromised, the control unit suppresses output of detection signals. This periodic output strategy ensures information availability when reliable while avoiding power wastage on unreliable detection data during heating periods.
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
Enhances detection accuracy and reduces power wastage by selectively controlling signal output and heater operation to manage adhering substances, improving vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
a heater that is provided in the outer cover and heats a transmission region of the outer cover through which the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor unit passes
Implementation Method 2
a sensor unit that is disposed inside a vehicle with respect to the outer cover, transmits and receives an electromagnetic wave through the outer cover
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sensor device (1) includes an outer cover (12), a sensor unit (20) that transmits and receives an electromagnetic wave through the outer cover (12) and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic wave incident on an inner side of the outer cover (12), a heater (30) that is provided in the outer cover (12) and heats a transmission region (AR) of the outer cover (12) through which the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor unit (20) passes, and a control unit (CO). The control unit (CO) outputs a detection signal of an object located outside the outer cover (12) based on the signal from the sensor unit (20) in at least a part of a period in which the heater (30) is OFF, and stops outputting of the detection signal in at least a part of a period in which the heater (30) is ON.