Side-Mirror Temperature Sensor Solar Radiation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining surrounding air temperature using side-mirror temperature sensors are prone to inaccuracies due to solar radiation and require time-consuming corrections, leading to delayed and unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A method that quickly determines surrounding air temperature by using current temperature measurements if they are lower than the previous valid measurement or if the vehicle is moving above a certain speed, and adjusts for solar radiation by using a stored valid value or calculating an initial value based on previous temperature, solar radiation, and thermal absorption properties of the side-mirror housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature measurements are filtered using temporal extrapolation (e.g., Kalman filter) to correct for solar radiation, then measurement precision improves, but stabilization time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensor from the engine compartment (where it would be subject to engine heat) and places it in the side-mirror housing. This spatial separation removes the harmful thermal influence from the measurement location, allowing direct use of raw temperature data without time-consuming filtering or extrapolation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The side-mirror housing acts as an intermediary structure that provides a thermally stable mounting location for the temperature sensor. The housing shields the sensor from direct solar radiation while maintaining thermal contact with the ambient air, serving as a mediating environment that enables accurate measurements without requiring complex correction algorithms.
2Ease of manufacture
If temperature sensors are placed close to the engine for easy installation, then ease of manufacture improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to engine heat influence
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is extracted from the engine compartment and relocated to the side-mirror housing. This removes the sensor from the harmful thermal environment near the engine while maintaining practical installability through integration with the existing side-mirror structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The side-mirror housing provides a locally optimized measurement environment with favorable thermal characteristics - it is exposed to ambient air for accurate temperature sensing but shielded from direct solar radiation, creating a locally ideal measurement zone without requiring complex shielding structures.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed in the side-mirror to avoid engine heat, then measurement precision improves, but solar radiation distorts the measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The side-mirror housing creates a locally optimized measurement environment that is exposed to ambient air for accurate temperature sensing but shielded from direct solar radiation. The housing's position and structure provide natural shading that protects the sensor from solar heating while maintaining thermal contact with the surrounding air.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation of temperature measurements by checking whether the sensor reading is lower than the previously stored valid value. This preliminary check identifies and rejects measurements distorted by solar radiation before they are used, enabling quick determination of valid temperature data without complex real-time filtering.
4Measurement precision
If extensive filtering and correction methods are applied to temperature measurements, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted to a location (side-mirror housing) that naturally provides favorable measurement conditions, eliminating the need for complex correction algorithms. The physical relocation removes the requirement for sophisticated software-based filtering and extrapolation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a simple preliminary validation check by comparing the current temperature reading with the previously stored valid value. This straightforward comparison quickly identifies measurements distorted by solar radiation, enabling the use of simple logic rather than complex filtering algorithms to ensure measurement accuracy.
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 method provides a more accurate and rapid determination of surrounding air temperature, enabling timely ice warnings and efficient vehicle climate control, as the side-mirror temperature sensor responds quickly to ambient conditions without extensive filtering.
Implementation Method 1
temperature measurements of a temperature sensor which is installed in a side-mirror of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
it can however be distorted by solar radiation
Implementation Method 3
current solar radiation on the vehicle is measured
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a climate-control system of a vehicle using an initial ambient (outside the vehicle) air temperature calculated based upon a current air temperature measured by a temperature sensor located on a side-mirror of the vehicle. A previous air temperature is stored at or before an engine shut-down time. At a subsequent engine start time: a) the temperature sensor on the side-mirror determines the current air temperature; b) a solar radiation on the vehicle is measured; and c) a duration since the previous air temperature was stored is determined. If, at the engine re-start time; a) the duration exceeds a threshold value; and b) the current air temperature is higher than the previous air temperature, then the initial air temperature is calculated from: a) the current air temperature, b) the previous air temperature, and c) the solar radiation. The climate-control system is operated using the calculated initial temp.