Sensor Window Heating With Temperature Feedback for Deicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weather conditions such as icing and fogging can impair the detection capabilities of sensor devices used in driver assistance systems for automated driving, necessitating effective deicing and dehumidification methods.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device equipped with a passage element, a temperature sensor, a heating unit, and a controller that uses temperature measurements to control the heating unit, ensuring precise and efficient deicing or dehumidification of the detection region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating unit is used to clear iced or fogged surfaces, then the detection capability is improved, but the response time and precision of deicing/dehumidification may be insufficient without direct temperature monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is integrated into the passage element to monitor temperature in advance, allowing the controller to activate the heating unit before icing or fogging significantly impairs detection, thus reducing response time and preventing the problem rather than just reacting to it
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor provides real-time temperature feedback to the controller, which adjusts the heating unit operation accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures precise deicing/dehumidification by continuously monitoring temperature and adjusting heating power to maintain optimal conditions without delay
2Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is arranged outside the sensor device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is integrated directly into the passage element structure, merging the temperature measurement function with the existing optical passage component. This integration achieves precise temperature monitoring at the critical location without adding separate external sensor assemblies, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The passage element serves as an intermediary structure that houses the temperature sensor, allowing the sensor to be positioned precisely where temperature monitoring is most critical (at the optical element surface) while maintaining a compact integrated design rather than using separate external monitoring components
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 solution enables rapid and precise clearing of iced or fogged surfaces, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of driver assistance systems for automated driving.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating unit configured to heat the at least one passage element
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature sensor on or in the at least one passage element, the at least one temperature sensor being configured to measure a temperature of the at least one passage element
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes at least one sensor unit, which is configured to detect a detection area; at least one through element, wherein the at least one sensor unit is configured to detect the detection area through the at least one through element; at least one temperature sensor on or in at least one through element, the at least one temperature sensor being configured to detect a temperature of the at least one through element; at least one heating unit, which is configured to heat the at least one through element; and a controller, which is connected to the at least one temperature sensor and the at least one heating unit and which is configured to control the at least one heating unit based on the temperature detected by the at least one temperature sensor.