Vehicle having a sensor thawing device using heated air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for thawing sensors in vehicles, such as using heating wires, are limited in their ability to operate the radar and can deteriorate the external appearance of the vehicle. Additionally, these methods are not applicable to all types of sensors and structures.
Innovation Solution
A sensor thawing device that uses high-temperature air discharged in specific directions to thaw sensors, including those that are difficult to thaw with heating wires. The device includes a heat source line, an air distribution box, a duct fixing cover module, and an air discharge duct, which work together to direct high-temperature air to the target sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating wires are used to thaw sensors, then the sensor can be thawed, but the radar cannot be operated when the heating wire is operated and the external appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thawing function is separated from the sensor housing by using a detachable duct structure. The air discharge duct can be separated from the housing, allowing the thawing operation to occur independently without interfering with radar operation. This segmentation enables the radar to remain operational while the duct directs heated air to melt snow or ice on the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The air discharge duct is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can be extended or retracted based on operational needs. When thawing is required, the duct extends to direct heated air at the sensor; when not in use, it retracts to maintain a clean external appearance and avoid interfering with radar operation.
2Reliability
If heating wires are applied to thaw sensors, then thawing is achieved, but the method is limited to specific structures such as logo-integrated radar sensors and cannot be applied to single injection-molded products, other sensors, or charging doors
Solution Approach 1:
The air discharge duct is designed as a universal component that can be applied to various sensor types and structures including logo-integrated radar sensors, single injection-molded products, other sensors, and charging doors. The duct can be positioned in different locations (front, rear, left, right sides) and directed toward different targets, making it adaptable to multiple applications beyond just logo-integrated sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The air discharge duct acts as an intermediary device that delivers heated air from the housing to the target sensor or structure. This intermediary approach allows the same heating mechanism to serve multiple different targets by simply repositioning or redirecting the duct, rather than requiring separate heating solutions for each application.
3Productivity
If the sensor thawing device is exposed to the outside continuously, then rapid thawing operation can be performed, but the external appearance of the vehicle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air discharge duct transitions from a static to a dynamic structure. It can be extended when thawing operation is needed and retracted when not in use. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain a clean, streamlined external appearance during normal operation while enabling rapid thawing when required by extending the duct to direct heated air at the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The external appearance is maintained as high quality in the retracted state, while the duct provides localized thawing functionality only when and where needed. The duct can be positioned precisely to target specific areas (front, rear, left, right sides) without requiring continuous exposure that would compromise overall aesthetic quality.
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 sensor thawing device effectively thaws a wide range of sensors without the limitations of heating wires, maintains the external appearance of the vehicle, and enables rapid thawing operations without time delay, ensuring the normal operation of radars and other sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source line configured to heat outside air with heat generated by a heat source to change the outside air into high-temperature air (hot air)
Implementation Method 2
an air pressure actuator configured to form an air pressure with the high-temperature air to move the air discharge duct in the target direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor thawing device, applied to a vehicle, discharges high-temperature air in a target direction, which is any one of left, right, down, and up directions, to an air discharge duct extended from a molding box coupled to a radiator grill, heats outside air introduced into a heat source line with a heat source including a heating wire to convert the outside air into high-temperature air, supplies the high-temperature air to an air distribution box, moves the air discharge duct in the target direction by forming the air pressure with a part of the high-temperature air by using an air pressure actuator, and supplies the air discharge duct with the remaining high-temperature air through a moving duct.