Vehicle Light Assembly Moisture Sensing and Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle exterior lighting assemblies experience moisture buildup on lenses, which can impair visibility in adverse weather conditions, and existing defogger systems are not effectively designed to sense and manage moisture accumulation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of conductive circuitry on the lens forming a capacitive sensor and a heater, allowing for the simultaneous sensing of moisture and its removal, with switching circuitry to toggle between sensing and heating modes, utilizing optically transparent conductive materials like indium tin oxide for invisible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional defogger elements are provided on the lens, then moisture evaporation is achieved, but moisture sensing capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capacitive sensor and heater into a single integrated conductive circuitry system on the lens. The same conductive elements that sense moisture through capacitive changes also function as the heating element for moisture removal, eliminating the need for separate sensing and actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive circuitry on the lens serves dual purposes: it acts as a capacitive sensor to detect moisture presence and as a heater to remove moisture. This multi-functional design allows a single system to perform both detection and removal functions that would traditionally require separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensing and heating systems are used, then moisture sensing and removal functions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitive sensor and heater into a single integrated conductive circuitry system. The same conductive elements on the lens that detect moisture through capacitive changes also serve as the heating element, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it senses moisture through capacitive coupling and simultaneously provides heating to remove moisture. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate sensing and actuation systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive circuitry is added to the lens, then moisture sensing and heating capability is provided, but lens transparency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin film conductive materials deposited directly onto the lens surface. These thin film structures maintain the optical transparency of the lens while providing the necessary conductive properties for capacitive sensing and heating functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs optically transparent conductive materials (OTCM) that combine electrical conductivity with optical transparency. These composite materials allow the lens to maintain its light-transmitting properties while incorporating functional conductive circuitry for moisture detection and removal.
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
Effectively senses and removes moisture from vehicle headlights and taillights, enhancing visibility by integrating capacitive sensing and heating functions within a single circuitry, reducing moisture buildup and improving performance in wet or icy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
conductive circuitry provided on the lens and forming a capacitive sensor for sensing moisture on the lens
Implementation Method 2
a heater for removing the moisture
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle light assembly is provided that includes a light source, a lens in front of the light source, conductive circuitry provided on the lens and forming a capacitive sensor for sensing moisture on the lens and a heater for removing the moisture, and switching circuitry for selectively energizing one of the capacitive sensor and the heater.