Multi-zone wheel well ice detection and removal system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accumulation of frozen precipitate and debris in vehicle wheel wells can negatively impact driving safety and cleanliness, with existing solutions lacking in automation, targeted detection, and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple detection/removal zones, each equipped with sensors to detect frozen precipitate and corresponding removal elements that activate only when necessary, using various technologies such as electromagnetic, acoustic, mechanical, and thermal methods to remove snow and ice from vehicle exterior surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a system continuously removes frozen precipitate from the entire wheel well, then driving safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel well is divided into multiple detection/removal zones with individual sensors and removal elements. Each zone operates independently based on local precipitate detection, allowing the system to remove precipitate only where needed rather than continuously treating the entire wheel well, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automatic detection sensors that trigger removal elements only when precipitate is detected in specific zones. This on-demand operation eliminates the need for continuous energy-consuming removal operations, allowing the system to serve itself by detecting and responding to actual precipitation conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If manual removal of frozen precipitate is required, then energy consumption is reduced, but driver convenience and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects frozen precipitate using sensors and activates removal elements without driver intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual removal while consuming minimal energy compared to continuous operation, thereby improving both driver convenience and energy efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Detection sensors provide feedback about precipitate presence to the control system, which then activates removal elements only when needed. This feedback mechanism enables automatic operation that improves driver convenience while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during periods without precipitate accumulation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detection/removal zones are implemented, then targeted removal precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel well is segmented into multiple independent detection/removal zones, each with its own sensor and removal element. This segmentation enables precise localized detection and removal, allowing the system to target specific areas with precipitate accumulation while keeping the overall system modular and manageable despite the increased number of components.
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 system automatically and efficiently detects and removes frozen precipitate from vehicle wheel wells, enhancing driving safety and cleanliness while minimizing energy usage and driver intervention.
Implementation Method 1
Each detection/removal zone includes a frozen precipitate detection sensor (or 'snow sensor') configured to detect the presence of accumulated frozen precipitate
Implementation Method 2
The removal element is configured to remove accumulated frozen precipitate that is located in the detection/removal zone
Implementation Method 3
using various technologies such as electromagnetic, acoustic, mechanical, and thermal methods to remove snow and ice from vehicle exterior surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for removing snow and/or ice from one or more zones on an exterior surface of a vehicle are provided. The system includes a plurality of detection/removal zones, each zone having an associated snow sensor and an associated removal element. Detection of snow within any zone by the associated snow sensor automatically activates the associated snow removal element. The method includes detecting and removing snow automatically within at least one zone of a multi-zone removal system of the same type.