Vehicle Sensor Heater Control Without Added Temperature Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Environmental factors such as snow and ice accumulation can impair the accuracy and efficiency of vehicle sensors like radar and camera systems by obstructing their operation, and existing solutions may require additional temperature sensors or incur inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A control component manages heater elements near sensors using a combination of pre-existing vehicle components and lookup tables to determine operational parameters, mitigating precipitation buildup without specific temperature sensors, and configuring heater elements with slits for flexible mounting on non-flat surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heater elements are operated at high power to clear precipitation buildup, then sensor operation is improved, but vehicle surfaces may be damaged due to excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the heater element based on environmental conditions. The control component adjusts power levels, temperature thresholds, and operational timing according to precipitation detection, ambient temperature, and sensor performance data, allowing effective precipitation clearing while preventing surface damage through controlled heat application
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring sensor performance, ambient conditions, and heater element operation. The control component uses this feedback to adjust heater power levels in real-time, increasing power when precipitation is detected and sensor performance degrades, then reducing power when conditions improve, thereby preventing both precipitation buildup and surface damage
2Measurement precision
If additional temperature sensors are installed to manage heater operation, then precision of temperature control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes existing multi-functional components perform additional functions. The sensor components already present for autonomous vehicle operation are also used to detect precipitation conditions and monitor environmental parameters. The control component integrates these existing sensors into the heater management system, eliminating the need for dedicated temperature sensors while maintaining effective control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing vehicle components to serve the dual purpose of autonomous operation and precipitation/temperature monitoring. The control component leverages data from already-installed sensors (cameras, radar, environmental sensors) to determine when heater operation is needed, making the existing sensor infrastructure serve multiple functions including heater element control
3Adaptability or versatility
If heater elements are mounted on non-flat vehicle surfaces, then adaptability to vehicle design is improved, but manufacturing precision and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heater element is divided into multiple independent heating zones or segments that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the heater to conform to non-planar surfaces by activating only the zones that contact the surface, while maintaining effective heating coverage. The control component can address individual zones based on their specific mounting conditions and thermal requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control of heater element operation, adjusting power levels and activation patterns based on the actual mounting surface geometry. The control component compensates for non-planar mounting by dynamically modifying heating parameters, allowing the rigid heater element to effectively adapt to varying surface contours through intelligent control rather than physical flexibility
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 enhances sensor operation by preventing precipitation accumulation while avoiding damage to vehicle surfaces, leveraging existing components and reducing costs by not requiring additional temperature sensors.
Implementation Method 1
A control component prevents or mitigates precipitation buildup on a portion of a vehicle by managing operational parameters of a heater element
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for configuration and management of heater elements associated with sensor components are provided. A control component associated with the heater element obtains a plurality of inputs associated with the operation of the vehicle, such as location, operational status of components. The control component can utilize a body of information sources independent of any specific temperature or condition sensors on the sensor component to specify operational parameters of the heater element, such as a lookup table. The specified operational parameters can be selected with consideration of mitigation or discouraging the build-up of frozen precipitation on portions of the vehicle approximate to the sensor components. Additionally, the specified operational parameters can further be selected or specified with consideration of mitigation or discouraging of prolonged operation of the heater element resulting in such damages.