Vehicle Optical Sensor Housing State Control for Safe Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection devices in motor vehicles face safety-critical conditions due to undesired emission of light rays when the housing is open or defective, leading to undefined light beam directions that can harm individuals.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection device with a verification unit to check the functional state of the housing, generating a control signal if it deviates from a reference state, and adjusting the light source unit's operation accordingly to prevent safety hazards, such as deactivating or reducing power, using an integrated electrically conductive element for comprehensive checking and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the housing is made open or accessible for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is worsened due to undesired emission of light rays
Solution Approach 1:
The verification unit checks the functional state of the housing before the light source unit is activated. This preliminary verification ensures that the housing is properly closed and intact before light emission begins, preventing safety hazards while allowing easy access for maintenance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from the verification unit about the housing state and adjusts the operation of the light source unit accordingly. When the housing is properly closed, normal operation is permitted; when open or defective, the system prevents operation or activates safety modes, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light source unit is completely deactivated in defective conditions, then safety is improved, but productivity is worsened due to loss of detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely deactivating the light source unit, the system applies partial action by reducing power to a safe level or limiting emission to specific directions. This allows the detection device to continue providing some level of monitoring capability while maintaining safety, avoiding total loss of productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes operational parameters of the light source unit based on the verification results. In defective conditions, parameters such as emission power, beam direction, or pulse duration are adjusted to safe values rather than completely shutting down, maintaining partial functionality while ensuring safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing structure is made robust and sealed, then safety is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sealing and physical safety mechanisms with an electrical/optical verification system. The verification unit uses electrical contacts or optical sensors to detect housing state, and the control unit manages safety through software logic, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification unit continuously monitors the housing state automatically without requiring external intervention. The system self- verifies its own safety conditions and autonomously adjusts operation accordingly, eliminating the need for complex external safety mechanisms or manual checking procedures.
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
Ensures reliable operation by preventing safety-critical situations through defined light beam emission, even in defective or impaired conditions, allowing continuous detection and early detection of housing damage, enhancing safety during both stationary and moving vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
by checking the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive element, a functional state of the housing can be determined
Implementation Method 2
the heating device is located substantially in the region of the receiving window
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical detection device (3) for a motor vehicle (1), having a housing (8) of the optical detection device (3), in which a light source unit (10) of the optical detection device (3) is arranged, wherein light beams (6) can be emitted through a housing part (9) of the housing (8) into surroundings (4) of the motor vehicle (1) by means of the light source unit (10), wherein the optical detection device (3) has a monitoring unit (16), by means of which a functional state of the housing (8) can be monitored and a control signal can be produced if an actual functional state of the housing (8) that deviates from a reference functional state of the housing (8) is identified. Further, the invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) and a method. (Fig. 2)