Ultrasonic Sensor Membrane Heating Mode for Ice Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound-based measurement sensors are prone to icing in low temperatures, which can lead to malfunction, and existing solutions like separate heating devices are costly and increase manufacturing expenses.
Innovation Solution
The control unit and membrane element are designed to operate in a heating mode with prolonged and higher-frequency activation, heating the membrane element above the icing temperature to prevent or quickly remove ice, without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating device is added to prevent or remove icing from the membrane element, then the reliability of the measuring sensor is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged with the existing membrane element by utilizing its piezoelectric properties. The membrane element serves dual purposes: as the sensing component for ultrasonic measurements and as the heating element for ice prevention. This is achieved by applying electrical voltage to the piezoelectric element, causing it to oscillate and generate heat through internal friction, thereby eliminating the need for separate heating devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the ultrasonic sensing membrane and the heating element. By leveraging the piezoelectric effect, the same component that detects ultrasonic waves can also generate heat when subjected to appropriate electrical excitation, thus achieving multi-functionality without additional parts.
2Temperature
If the membrane element is controlled at extended duration or higher frequency to generate heat, then the temperature above icing point is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating mode operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the membrane element in heating mode only when icing conditions are detected or anticipated (based on temperature sensors or lack of object detection), allowing the element to heat up above the icing point temporarily. During non-heating periods, the element returns to normal measuring mode, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining temperature above freezing when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the operational parameters of the membrane element by switching between different excitation frequencies and duty cycles. In heating mode, the element is driven at higher frequencies or with extended pulse durations to maximize heat generation. The control unit dynamically adjusts these parameters based on environmental conditions, optimizing the balance between heating effectiveness and energy consumption.
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 approach ensures the sensor's functionality by preventing or rapidly eliminating ice without increasing production costs, ensuring continuous operation through controlled heating.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane element (16) being connected to a piezoelectric element (17)
Implementation Method 2
the membrane element is caused to oscillate by the drive unit in such a way that it heats up to a temperature that is above that icing temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an ultrasonic-based measuring sensor (10a - 10e), like distance sensor or dead angle sensor, having a membrane element (16) that can be electrically exited to vibrations by way of an actuating unit (20). According to the invention, the actuating unit (20) and/or the membrane element (16) are configured to carry out a heating mode that is modified with respect to the measuring mode, wherein the membrane element (16) heats up to a temperature (T), which is above an ice-formation temperature, and the heating mode comprises an actuation of the membrane element (16) that is extended or/and a at higher frequency relative to the measuring mode.