Sensor heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with sensors face challenges in maintaining sensor functionality due to ice buildup, which can obstruct the sensors' field of view and lead to inaccurate data collection, especially in cold environments.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus is integrated onto the vehicle's exterior surface, featuring a heating element that self-regulates heat around the sensors, using a resistive heating element with a positive temperature coefficient, activated by a controller when ambient temperature drops below a threshold or when ice is detected, to prevent ice buildup and ensure continuous sensor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating element is added to prevent ice buildup on sensors, then sensor reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated into the nozzle shell structure, merging the heating function with the existing housing component. This combination approach adds the necessary ice prevention capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by reusing existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle shell serves multiple functions: it houses the air nozzle for cleaning, provides structural support, and now also incorporates the heating element for ice prevention. By making the nozzle shell a multi-functional component, the patent reduces the need for additional separate parts, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving sensor reliability.
2Reliability
If a heating element is activated continuously to prevent ice formation, then sensor clarity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is controlled to operate periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the heating element based on detected conditions (such as temperature thresholds or ice detection), allowing it to remain inactive during favorable conditions. This periodic operation maintains sensor clarity when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controller that monitors environmental conditions and activates the heating element only when ice formation is detected or predicted. This feedback-based control ensures sensor clarity is maintained by applying heat only when necessary, thereby minimizing energy consumption while preserving reliable sensor operation.
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 solution effectively maintains sensor clarity and accuracy by providing controlled heating that prevents ice formation, ensuring the sensors can operate reliably in various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element may be a resistive heating element. The heating element may have a resistance that is positively related to voltage applied to the heating element.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an exterior surface including an aperture, a sensor defining a field of view oriented through the aperture, a nozzle shell on the exterior surface and including a nozzle panel facing the aperture, and a heating element disposed in or on the nozzle panel. The nozzle panel includes a nozzle.