Ultrasonic Sensor Membrane Infrared Ice Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic sensors in certain environments, such as those with snow or ice, face challenges with ice build-up on the transducer, which impairs signal transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic sensor system incorporates a membrane configured to emit infrared energy when receiving an energy input, which is used to melt ice build-up without the need for additional heating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating elements are used to mitigate ice build-up on the ultrasonic sensor, then ice blockage is reduced, but power consumption increases and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer serves dual functions: it both detects ultrasonic signals and generates heat through its own operation to melt ice blockages. The transducer's inherent piezoelectric properties allow it to convert electrical energy to mechanical vibration (for sensing) and also generate thermal energy (for ice mitigation) without requiring separate heating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic transducer is designed to perform multiple functions: acoustic signal transmission for object detection and thermal energy generation for ice blockage mitigation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heating elements, reducing both power consumption and system complexity while maintaining reliable operation in cold environments.
2Reliability
If heating elements are used to mitigate ice build-up on the ultrasonic sensor, then ice blockage is reduced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer serves dual functions: it both detects ultrasonic signals and generates heat through its own operation to melt ice blockages. The transducer's inherent piezoelectric properties allow it to convert electrical energy to mechanical vibration (for sensing) and also generate thermal energy (for ice mitigation) without requiring separate heating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice mitigation function is merged with the existing ultrasonic transducer assembly, combining the acoustic sensing and thermal generation functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate heating elements and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective ice blockage mitigation.
3Reliability
If the transducer operates at high power to emit ultrasonic signals, then detection capability is improved, but ice build-up increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high-power ultrasonic operation (which causes ice build-up) into a beneficial effect by utilizing the generated heat to melt ice blockages. The thermal energy that would otherwise contribute to freezing is instead harnessed to prevent ice accumulation, turning a harmful byproduct into a useful ice-melting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic ultrasonic transmission cycles where the transducer alternates between high-power emission phases (for detection) and lower-power or idle phases (for ice mitigation). This periodic operation allows the transducer to perform detection functions while periodically using its operational heat to prevent ice build-up, balancing detection capability with ice blockage prevention.
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 effectively mitigates ice blockages on the ultrasonic sensor, ensuring continuous proper operation without increasing power consumption or requiring additional expensive components.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane is configured to emit infrared energy when it receives an energy input
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a membrane. A device may include a piezo element configured to emit an ultrasonic signal via the membrane, wherein the membrane is configured to emit infrared energy when it receives an energy input.