Sensor Wireless Heating System to Prevent Ice Buildup on Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extreme temperatures and environmental conditions, such as ice buildup, can impair the performance of outdoor sensors by blocking light and obscuring imaging.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a thermal management system within the sensor, comprising a housing with a transmitting coil, an optic assembly with conductive nano-structured films, and a wireless heating system, where the film is electrically coupled to receiving coils, allowing for wireless energization and temperature increase to melt ice and snow, ensuring continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a wireless heating system is implemented to melt ice and snow on the optical element, then the sensor can operate in extreme cold temperatures, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of transmitting and receiving coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or resistive heating systems with a wireless electromagnetic heating system. The transmitting coil generates an electromagnetic field that induces current in the receiving coil, which then heats the optical element without physical contact or complex wiring, thus reducing mechanical complexity while expanding temperature operational range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conductive film as an intermediary substance between the receiving coil and the optical element. This thin conductive layer efficiently transfers electromagnetic energy from the coil to the optical element, enabling wireless heating while maintaining system simplicity and avoiding direct electrical connections
2Reliability
If a thermal management system with wireless heating is added, then ice buildup is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to integration of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting coil serves multiple functions: it can be used for wireless communication and for wireless heating. The receiving coil similarly serves both as an antenna and as a heating element when energized by the transmitting coil. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated heating components, simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin conductive films deposited on the optical element to enable wireless heating. These thin films are integrated during the optical element manufacturing process itself, allowing the heating functionality to be added without significant additional manufacturing steps or assembly complexity
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 system effectively maintains sensor functionality during extreme weather conditions by removing ice and snow, ensuring high transmissivity and reliable data collection.
Implementation Method 1
when the transmitting coil is energized, the at least one receiving coil is wirelessly energized
Implementation Method 2
current flows within the film causing a temperature of the film to increase
Implementation Method 3
allowing for controlled heating of the optical element to melt ice and snow
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor is disclosed. The sensor may comprise: a housing, comprising a transmitting coil; and an optic assembly, comprising a body supporting at least one receiving coil and a conductive film that is in electrical contact with the at least one receiving coil, wherein, when the transmitting coil is energized, the at least one receiving coil is wirelessly energized causing a temperature of the film to increase.