Transparent Resistive Deicing Control for Vehicle Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deicing systems for vehicles are inefficient in energy consumption and require manual operation, often leading to unnecessary energy use and visibility obstruction for drivers, with existing materials like indium tin oxide being fragile and graphene production not optimized for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A method using a computer-controlled resistive element with a monitoring loop for temperature and moisture levels to autonomously activate and adjust thermal power for deicing, employing a stack of layers with a two-dimensional material for transparency and energy efficiency, allowing for objective control and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If manual on/off switching is used for deicing systems, then the system is simple to control, but energy consumption is not optimized and the system may be left running unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic control through feedback from temperature and humidity sensors that monitor environmental conditions and trigger deicing operation when frost or mist is detected, eliminating manual switching and optimizing energy consumption by operating only when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The deicing system performs self-monitoring and self-activation through integrated sensors and control logic that automatically detect frost/mist conditions and initiate heating without requiring user intervention, making the system self-regulating and energy-efficient
2Use of energy by moving object
If wire-based resistive elements are used for deicing, then the deicing function is effective, but visibility for the driver is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from metal wire resistive elements to transparent conductive oxide materials, changing the physical parameter of material transparency while maintaining electrical conductivity and deicing functionality, thereby eliminating visibility obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining transparent conductive oxides with substrate materials to create a resistive heating element that is both functionally effective for deicing and optically transparent for driver visibility
3Illumination intensity
If transparent conductive oxide materials are used for resistive elements, then transparency is improved, but the material is very fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures where transparent conductive oxide layers are integrated with more mechanically robust substrate materials, combining the optical transparency of the oxide with the mechanical strength of the substrate to overcome fragility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin film structures of transparent conductive materials deposited on flexible or rigid substrates, creating a composite assembly that maintains transparency while the substrate provides mechanical durability and resistance to fragility
4Use of energy by moving object
If graphene-based resistive elements are used, then transparency and conductivity are improved, but mass production is not currently feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts transparent conductive oxide materials that, while perhaps not matching the optimal performance of graphene, offer established mass production methodologies and lower costs, representing a practical compromise for industrial scalability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selects materials and processing parameters optimized for existing manufacturing capabilities, transitioning from emerging materials like graphene to established transparent conductive oxides with proven scalability in current production lines
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 optimizes energy consumption by automatically switching on and off based on frost or mist presence, ensuring efficient deicing or demisting with minimal visibility obstruction and high transparency, suitable for vehicle windshields and visors.
Implementation Method 1
the wires, when they have an electric current pass through them, dissipate a quantity of heat making it possible to melt frost liable to be present on at least one of the interior face or exterior face of the rear window
Implementation Method 2
the first layer comprising a two-dimensional material with resistance that is variable under the effect of an electrical field and is intended to dissipate the adjusted thermal power Pth
Data Source
AI summary
A method for regulating, with a computer, a resistive element arranged to deice and/or demist a support, the method including: a) a loop for monitoring the temperature T and the moisture level H at the support; b) a deicing and/or demisting sequence which, as long as the temperature T and the moisture level H monitored by the monitoring loop a) are indicative of an absence of frost or mist on the support, keeps the resistive element inactive and, in the contrary case, demands, in a step b2), the circulation of a current I in the resistive element so that the latter dissipates a thermal power Pth, adjusted according to the temperature T and the moisture level H, and providing deicing or demisting of the support over a predetermined period Dp.