Vehicle Window Temperature Sensor Assembly for Accurate Misting Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle environmental control systems for predicting internal misting of windows, such as windshields, are aesthetically unattractive and can distract drivers due to their placement on the windshield, and the sensors may not accurately represent ambient cabin conditions when housed together near the windshield.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle environmental control system with separate sensor assemblies for window temperature, ambient humidity, and ambient temperature, where the latter two are mounted away from the window temperature sensor, allowing for more accurate representation of cabin conditions and improved aesthetics by placing them within the rearview mirror housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor assemblies are housed together in a common dome-shaped housing attached to the windshield, then the system structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the unit distracts the driver, obscures vision, and is aesthetically unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into separate assemblies: a window temperature sensor assembly mounted on the windshield and a second temperature/humidity sensor assembly mounted in the rearview mirror housing. This segmentation allows each sensor to be positioned optimally without creating a distracting common housing on the windshield, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and driver safety/aesthetics.
2Device complexity
If the ambient temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are placed in the same housing near the windshield, then the system structure is simplified, but the sensors do not accurately represent the ambient temperature or atmosphere in the main passenger cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ambient temperature and humidity sensors from the windshield-mounted housing and relocates them to the rearview mirror housing. This extraction allows the sensors to be positioned in the main passenger cabin environment, improving measurement accuracy of ambient conditions while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the window temperature sensor assembly is mounted on the windshield, then accurate window temperature measurement is achieved, but the unit and its cabling are aesthetically unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the second temperature and humidity sensor assemblies within the existing rearview mirror housing structure. This nesting approach hides the sensors and their cabling within an existing aesthetic component, eliminating the visual impact of separate sensor housings and cabling while maintaining measurement capabilities.
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 allows for more accurate prediction of internal misting and improved passenger comfort by independently measuring cabin conditions, preventing misting without obstructing the driver's view and maintaining a clean aesthetic, while enabling the HVAC system to preemptively address misting issues.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensing element thermally insulated within the body and in thermal communication with a thermally conductive contacting element exposed externally of the body
Implementation Method 2
a thermally insulating body, a temperature sensing element thermally insulated within the body
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor assembly may include a thermally insulating body, a temperature sensing element within the body, and a thermally conductive element exposed externally of the body and in thermal communication with the temperature sensing element. The thermally conductive element may have a substantially planar exposed upper surface, with the temperature sensing element in thermal communication with a lower surface of the thermally conductive element. A thermally insulating housing assembly may have an upper end surrounding and supporting the temperature sensing element, with the housing assembly extending downwardly away from the lower surface of the thermally conductive element and having an internal air gap surrounding leads for the temperature sensing element. A mirror mounting system may include a mounting bracket adapted for releasable connection to a vehicle window, with the sensor assembly resiliently mounted to the bracket and urged against the window when the bracket is connected to the window.