Window Heating via Projected Light Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for heating windows in light-based sensor devices, such as those used in vehicles and robots, face inefficiencies due to the use of electrical heaters bonded to the inside of thin glass windows with low thermal conductivity, which struggle to reach required temperatures for removing ice and condensation, and may degrade the sensor's performance by absorbing critical wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A projected-light mechanism using a high-power light projector to heat the window by projecting light that is absorbed by the glass substrate and Anti-Reflection Coating layers, optimizing the optical layers for maximal efficiency while avoiding interference with the light-based sensor's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrical heaters are bonded to the inside of thin glass windows, then heating function is provided, but the heaters struggle to reach required temperatures due to low thermal conductivity of thin glass and may degrade sensor performance by absorbing critical wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective layer as an intermediary component between the electrical heater and the light-based sensor. This reflective layer redirects light away from the heater, preventing absorption of critical wavelengths by the heater material while maintaining the heating function. The reflective layer acts as a mediator that decouples the thermal and optical paths, allowing the heater to warm the window without interfering with sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The window structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: the thin glass window layer, the electrical heater layer, and the reflective layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently - the glass provides optical transmission, the heater provides thermal energy, and the reflective layer manages light direction. This layered segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the heater to operate at required temperatures without directly absorbing sensor wavelengths.
2Temperature
If electrical heaters are used to heat the window, then heating function is provided, but the heaters may absorb critical wavelengths and degrade sensor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective layer serves as an intermediary that intercepts light before it reaches the electrical heater. By positioning the reflective layer between the window interior surface and the heater, it redirects light away from the heater material, preventing the heater from absorbing critical wavelengths that would interfere with sensor performance while maintaining effective window heating.
3Illumination intensity
If thin glass windows with low thermal conductivity are used, then optical transmission is maintained, but heating efficiency is reduced due to inability to reach required temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective layer acts as a thermal trap intermediary, reflecting infrared radiation back toward the window interior surface and preventing heat loss. This creates a more efficient thermal environment that allows the thin glass window to reach and maintain required temperatures despite its low thermal conductivity, while the glass maintains its optical transmission properties for sensor operation.
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
This solution effectively heats the window uniformly across its surface, efficiently removing ice and condensation without interfering with the light-based sensor's performance, ensuring continuous operation in various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
heating the window by projecting light onto the window that is absorbed by the glass substrate and Anti-Reflection Coating layers
Data Source
AI summary
For example, an apparatus may include a housing including a window; a sensor within the housing, the light-based sensor to generate sensor information based on light of a first configuration received via the window; and a light projector within the housing, the light projector configured to project light of a second configuration onto the window, wherein the light of the second configuration is configured such that the window is to be heated by absorption of the light of the second configuration.