Optical Sensor Window Heater Layout for Water Droplet Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices face challenges in efficiently heating transmission portions, such as lenses, to remove foreign matter like water droplets, which can affect electromagnetic wave transmission.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device design with a heater portion disposed on the lower and lateral sides of the transmission portion, where the heat generation per unit length is higher on the lower side compared to the lateral sides, promoting efficient heating and convection to clear foreign matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater portion is disposed to heat the transmission portion, then foreign matter such as water droplets can be removed, but the heating efficiency may be insufficient if the heater is not optimally positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The heater portion is disposed with different heat generation amounts at different locations: a first heater portion on the lower side generates higher heat per unit length, while a second heater portion on the lateral side generates lower heat per unit length. This local differentiation of heating intensity optimizes foreign matter removal effectiveness while managing energy distribution across the transmission portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater configuration uses asymmetric heat generation amounts between different sides of the transmission portion. The lower side receives intensive heating from the first heater portion, while the lateral side receives milder heating from the second heater portion. This asymmetric approach addresses the specific thermal requirements of different regions to improve overall heating efficiency.
2Reliability
If the heater portion generates high heat, then foreign matter can be removed more effectively, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly heating the entire transmission portion, the heater is designed to concentrate higher heat generation (first heater portion) only where most needed for foreign matter removal, while applying lower heat generation (second heater portion) in other areas. This localized quality differentiation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system applies excessive heat (first heater portion) only in the specific region where foreign matter accumulation is most problematic, rather than applying moderate heat uniformly across the entire transmission portion. This partial excessive action achieves effective foreign matter removal with optimized energy usage.
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 design ensures rapid and efficient heating of the transmission portion, effectively removing foreign matter by optimizing heat distribution and convection, enhancing the device's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heater portion of which at least a portion is disposed on a lower side of the transmission portion and on one of opposite lateral sides of the transmission portion
Implementation Method 2
An amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater portion in a direction along an outer periphery of the transmission portion on the lower side of the transmission portion is higher than an amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater portion in a direction along the outer periphery of the transmission portion on the one of the opposite lateral sides of the transmission portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes an optical device that emits an electromagnetic wave, a housing that accommodates the optical device, a transmission portion provided in the housing to transmit the electromagnetic wave of the optical device, a length of the transmission portion in a first direction being shorter than a length of the transmission portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the transmission portion having a quadrilateral shape with a notch, first heater portions that extend at least in the second direction, the first heater portions being located, in regions surrounding the transmission portion, at both ends of the transmission portion in the first direction, and a thermistor portion disposed in a notched area of the quadrilateral shape. One of the first heater portions is disconnected on one of both sides in the second direction, the thermistor portion being not located on the one of both sides.