Vehicle Temperature Sensor Grid Duct Solar Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of sunshine sensors and the need for mechanical protection and decoration of temperature sensors in vehicle passenger compartments due to their surface location, which increases manufacturing costs and exposes them to direct solar radiation, affecting temperature measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A temperature detection device with a temperature sensor housed in an air duct with a grid-shaped first portion that prevents direct solar radiation influence, eliminating the need for a sunshine sensor and reducing manufacturing costs by positioning the sensor away from the façade surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is located at the façade surface to measure air temperature, then the measurement position is optimal, but the sensor is directly exposed to solar radiation which compromises measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The air duct is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion (grid) that interfaces with the external environment and a second portion that houses the temperature sensor. This segmentation allows the sensor to be isolated from solar radiation while maintaining access to ambient air through the grid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor is nested within the second portion of the air duct, which is itself nested within the façade structure. This nested arrangement protects the sensor from direct solar exposure while allowing it to measure air temperature through the grid portion that extends to the façade surface.
2Measurement precision
If a sunshine sensor is added to compensate for solar radiation effects, then temperature measurement accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of solar radiation is extracted and blocked by the grid structure before it can reach the temperature sensor. This eliminates the need for a separate sunshine sensor to compensate for solar effects, as the grid physically prevents the radiation from influencing the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid structure, which might seem to obstruct air flow, actually provides a beneficial dual function: it allows ambient air to reach the sensor while simultaneously blocking solar radiation. This converts a potential obstacle into a protective feature that eliminates the need for additional expensive sensors.
3Reliability
If the temperature sensor is housed in an enclosed space for protection, then the sensor is protected from environmental factors, but air contact is reduced affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The first portion of the air duct is designed as a grid structure with numerous openings. This porous-like structure allows free air flow and contact with the ambient environment while providing a barrier against direct solar radiation. The grid maintains both protection and air accessibility simultaneously.
4Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor and sunshine sensor are located at the façade surface, then solar radiation can be accounted for, but mechanical protection and decoration requirements increase manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The air duct structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the temperature sensor, enables air flow for temperature measurement, blocks solar radiation, and can be integrated into the façade design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sunshine sensors and reduces the need for additional protective enclosures.
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 accurate temperature measurement without the need for a sunshine sensor, reducing manufacturing costs and protecting the sensor from solar radiation, while maintaining the sensor's functionality and design integration.
Implementation Method 1
the first portion has the shape of a grid to prevent the direct influence of solar rays on the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a temperature detection device (1) for detecting the temperature (Ta) of the air (A) in the passenger compartment (100) of a vehicle, that comprises at least one temperature sensor (2) provided in an air duct (4) having a first portion (5), said air duct (4) being in aeraulic communication with the air of the (A) of the passenger compartment (100) through said first portion (5). The temperature detection device (1) includes means capable of preventing the direct influence of solar rays (RS) on the temperature sensor (2).