Vehicle Sensor Cover Heating via Resistance Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor covers for vehicles face challenges in accurately controlling the temperature of heating elements to remove ice or snow without damaging materials or compromising sensor performance, due to temperature detection elements being positioned outside the Field of View and experiencing thermal offset and lag.
Innovation Solution
Measuring the electric resistance change of the heating element directly to control its temperature, allowing for precise and reactive temperature management within the Field of View, eliminating thermal offset and lag, and enabling efficient ice or snow removal without overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heating power is increased to remove ice or snow faster, then ice or snow removal speed is improved, but material damage risk increases due to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature detection element continuously monitors the temperature at the rear surface of the sensor cover, and this temperature information is fed back to modulate the heating element's power consumption. The control unit adjusts the heating power dynamically to maintain temperature within safe ranges, preventing material damage while ensuring effective ice/snow removal.
2Measurement precision
If temperature detection elements are positioned within the Field of View to improve temperature monitoring accuracy, then temperature detection precision is improved, but sensor performance is compromised due to blocking electromagnetic waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the temperature detection element at the rear surface of the sensor cover, utilizing the depth dimension of the radome structure. This allows the temperature sensor to monitor the temperature at the location closest to the heating element and the ice/snow interface without being present in the Field of View area, thus avoiding blockage of electromagnetic waves while still achieving accurate temperature measurement for control purposes.
3Strength
If temperature detection elements are surrounded by plastic material to protect them, then detection element protection is improved, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to thermal insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element itself serves a dual function: it heats the sensor cover to remove ice/snow, and simultaneously acts as a reference for temperature control. The system uses the temperature detection element to monitor the heating element's thermal state indirectly through the radome material, and adjusts the heating power accordingly. This self-regulating mechanism ensures the heating element does not overheat while maintaining effective de-icing performance.
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
This approach provides precise temperature control, reducing the time needed to melt snow or ice, preventing material damage, and ensuring reliable sensor performance in dynamic conditions, while being compatible with existing PWM systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor cover includes a heating element, which is powered by the electric system of the vehicle and is capable to melt the deposited ice or snow
Implementation Method 2
This heating element may take the form of a conductive wire, usually made with a copper alloy, which is routed in the form of a heating layer
Data Source
AI summary
The sensor cover comprises: one heating element (7) that heats a surface of the cover; an electric connector (6) that connects the at least one heating element (7) with a power source; and at least one control device (10) that controls de operation of the at least one heating element (7); wherein the at least one heating element (7) generates a variable electrical resistance depending on the variation of its temperature, that is detected by the at least one control device (10), said at least one control device (10) powering on or off the at least one heating element (7) according to the electric resistance detected by the at least one control device (10). It permits a direct measure of the whole heating element, providing a more precise and reactive control of the sensor cover temperature.