Vehicle Light Assembly Lens Capacitive Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive vehicle exterior lighting assemblies face issues with moisture buildup on lenses, which can lead to reduced visibility and functionality, especially in cold weather conditions, and lack effective methods for detecting user proximity and adjusting illumination accordingly.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle light assembly featuring a conductive circuitry on the lens that functions as both a capacitive sensor for moisture detection and a heater for defrosting, combined with a temperature sensor and wireless communication transceivers for proximity detection and illumination control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a vehicle light assembly operates in cold weather conditions, then illumination function is provided, but moisture buildup occurs on the lens reducing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor detects moisture accumulation on the lens before it significantly impairs visibility. The system proactively activates the heating element to prevent moisture buildup, maintaining clear lens conditions before the harmful effect becomes severe.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element, which generates heat that could potentially cause overheating, is instead utilized beneficially to evaporate moisture from the lens. The same thermal energy that poses a risk is converted into a useful function for moisture removal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heating element is activated to remove moisture, then moisture is removed from lens, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor continuously monitors the lens surface for moisture accumulation and provides feedback to the control circuit. The heating element is activated only when moisture is detected, and the system monitors until moisture is removed, then deactivates the heater. This feedback loop ensures energy is consumed only when necessary for moisture removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing electrical system and battery to power the heating element, utilizing available resources without requiring additional external energy sources. The light assembly essentially services itself by using its own electrical infrastructure to remove moisture.
3Measurement precision
If capacitive sensor is added for moisture detection, then moisture detection capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive coating on the lens serves multiple functions: it acts as the capacitive sensor for moisture detection, provides electrical connectivity, and can potentially serve as an antenna for wireless communication. By making the coating multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite adding sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensor function with the existing lens structure by applying a conductive coating directly to the lens surface. This merges the optical component (lens) with the sensing component (capacitive sensor), eliminating the need for a separate sensor module and reducing structural complexity.
4Measurement precision
If wireless communication transceivers are added for proximity detection, then proximity detection capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive coating on the lens serves as a multi-functional element that acts as both the capacitive sensor for moisture detection and the antenna for wireless communication transceivers. This dual functionality reduces the need for separate antenna structures, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while adding proximity detection capability.
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 solution effectively removes moisture from the lens, maintains clear visibility, and allows for user-controlled illumination adjustments, enhancing safety and functionality by integrating capacitive sensing, heating, and wireless communication for proximity detection.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive circuitry is disposed on the lens and forms a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
A conductive circuitry is disposed on the lens and forms a heater for heating or defrost operations
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle light assembly includes a light source. A lens is positioned proximate the light source. A conductive circuitry is disposed on the lens and forms a capacitive sensor. A temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the light source.