Vehicle Exterior Panel Assembly With IR De-Icing Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-frosting and de-icing solutions for thermoplastic materials used in automotive visibility and autonomous driving systems are inefficient, leading to energy wastage and interference with electronic devices, particularly in electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An exterior panel assembly comprising a thermoplastic sheet with specific infrared radiation transmission properties and an integrated infrared emitter, which emits infrared rays within a tailored wavelength band to efficiently de-frost and de-ice the panel while minimizing energy consumption and interference with safety devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conductive grid lines are used to heat the thermoplastic cover for de-frosting and de-icing, then the cover can be effectively heated, but the thermoplastic surface experiences distortion due to inhomogeneous heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using an infrared-transparent window material that allows selective infrared radiation transmission to specific areas behind the cover, enabling localized and homogeneous heating of the electronic device housing without causing distortion to the thermoplastic cover surface
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared-transparent window acts as an intermediary element between the infrared emitter and the area to be heated. It selectively transmits infrared radiation while protecting the thermoplastic cover from direct infrared exposure that would cause uneven heating and distortion
2Reliability
If de-frosting and de-icing means are operated proactively to prevent water or ice from blocking radiation transmission, then the safety devices remain operational, but energy consumption increases which limits the range of electric vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or demand-based activation of the infrared emitter based on detected ice or frost conditions rather than continuous operation. The control unit activates the heater only when needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared heating system provides self-service by directly heating the affected areas through the infrared-transparent window, eliminating the need for complex thermal management systems and reducing parasitic energy losses associated with conventional heating methods
3Temperature
If conventional heating methods are used for de-frosting and de-icing, then the heating effect is achieved, but the heating is inhomogeneous and energy inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electrical resistance heating systems with an infrared radiation-based heating system. The infrared emitter directly radiates thermal energy through the infrared-transparent window, achieving homogeneous heating with higher energy efficiency and without the losses associated with conventional heating methods
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 provides efficient, fast, and homogeneous de-frosting and de-icing of exterior panels, reducing energy consumption and ensuring continuous operation of safety devices, thereby enhancing the autonomy and safety of electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device comprising an infrared emitter configured to emit infrared rays towards the sheet with wavelength(s) within the specific wavelength band (Δ) of the thermoplastic material
Implementation Method 2
the sheet has a specific wavelength band (Δ) within the near infrared band (800 nm to 2000 nm) in which the transmission is: equal to or lower than 50% when the sheet thickness is 1 mm
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an exterior panel assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising a sheet having side edges, a first and second surface opposite of each other, and comprising a thermoplastic material, wherein the sheet is transparent to electromagnetic radiation in at least one of the ranges for radio waves, infrared radiation, visible light and ultraviolet radiation; a heating device comprising an infrared emitter for emitting infrared rays towards the sheet; and a housing structure for accommodating the heating device, wherein the housing structure opens up towards the sheet with an opening, and wherein the sheet extends over the opening of the housing structure. The inventor further relates to a vehicle comprising such an exterior panel assembly.