Vehicle Pane Conductive Coating for Accurate Integrated Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle temperature measurement systems are prone to errors, increase manufacturing costs, and require additional space due to external sensors, which do not accurately measure the temperature of the vehicle pane.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a transparent, electrically conductive coating with a temperature sensor directly into the vehicle pane, using a temperature measuring field isolated by a separating line, allowing for precise temperature measurement without external sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external temperature sensors are attached to the vehicle pane, then the pane temperature can be measured, but the manufacturing cost increases, space requirement increases, and the system becomes prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is merged with the transparent conductive coating that is already applied to the vehicle pane. The sensor traces are formed within the same coating layer, eliminating the need for separate external sensors and their attachment hardware. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining temperature measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent conductive coating serves multiple functions: it provides electrical conductivity for heating/defrosting purposes and simultaneously contains the temperature sensor traces for temperature measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated temperature sensing components, reducing both cost and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If external temperature sensors are used, then temperature measurement is possible, but manufacturing cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is manufactured as part of the same coating process applied to all vehicle panes, combining temperature sensing functionality with the existing transparent conductive coating application. This integration eliminates separate manufacturing steps and reduces overall manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle pane's existing transparent conductive coating structure serves dual purposes: it provides its heating/defrosting function and simultaneously houses the temperature sensor traces. The coating system essentially serves itself by providing both thermal control and temperature sensing capabilities without requiring additional external components.
3Loss of information
If external temperature sensors are attached to the vehicle pane, then temperature data can be obtained, but the system becomes prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is integrated within the same transparent conductive coating that is directly bonded to the glass pane, ensuring direct thermal contact and accurate temperature sensing. This integration eliminates errors that could arise from thermal isolation or improper mounting of external sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor traces are formed using the same material and manufacturing process as the surrounding transparent conductive coating, ensuring homogeneous thermal and electrical properties throughout. This homogeneity eliminates interface errors and ensures reliable, consistent temperature measurements across the entire coating area.
4Illumination intensity
If a transparent conductive coating is used for the temperature sensor, then the sensor is visually inconspicuous, but the coating must maintain high transmittance
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent conductive coating has different local properties: in most areas it provides high transmittance for visibility, while in specific regions it contains embedded sensor traces with higher conductivity for temperature sensing. This local differentiation allows the coating to maintain overall transparency while providing functional sensing areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating's electrical conductivity parameter is varied locally to create sensor traces while maintaining optical transmittance. By controlling the trace geometry, width, and conductivity during the coating process, the system achieves both visual inconspicuousness and sufficient temperature sensing capability through parameter optimization.
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
Enables accurate temperature measurement of the vehicle pane while being visually inconspicuous, reducing manufacturing costs and space requirements, and improving thermal comfort and control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent, electrically conductive coating on a surface of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor enables measurement of the true pane temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle pane with a temperature sensor, includes a substrate and a transparent, electrically conductive coating on a surface of the substrate, wherein a temperature measuring field that is electrically isolated from the surrounding electrically conductive coating by a separating line is formed in the electrically conductive coating, a measurement current path running between two electrical contact points is formed from a region of the electrically conductive coating in the temperature measuring field, the electrical contact points can be connected to a voltage source such that an electric current flows through the measurement current path, and the electrical contact points can be connected to an analysis unit that is suitable for measuring the current strength of the electric current, determining the electrical resistance of the measurement current path therefrom, and determining the temperature from the electrical resistance using calibration data.