Windshield Deicer Power Conservation via Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield deicer systems in vehicles consume excessive battery charge due to automatic deactivation times that fail to adapt to actual deicing conditions, leading to either insufficient deicing or excessive battery drain, particularly problematic in electric or hybrid-electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle apparatus featuring a windshield temperature sensor, a head-up display, and an automatic control circuit that automatically deactivates the deicer when a deiced condition is detected, allowing for manual override and providing the driver with real-time temperature information to make informed decisions about deicer operation, thereby optimizing heating based on actual conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the deicer is activated for a predetermined time to ensure sufficient deicing, then deicing reliability is improved, but battery charge consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a temperature sensor to continuously monitor the windshield temperature and provides feedback to the control circuit. The control circuit uses this feedback information to determine when the deicing condition has been achieved and automatically deactivates the deicer, preventing excessive battery charge consumption while ensuring reliable deicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The deicer system monitors its own operational status and environmental conditions through the temperature sensor and control circuit. When the predetermined temperature condition is met, the system automatically deactivates itself without requiring manual intervention, optimizing energy usage while maintaining deicing effectiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the deicer is deactivated after a predetermined time, then battery charge consumption is reduced, but deicing may be insufficient under severe freezing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously receives temperature feedback from the sensor and compares it against the predetermined temperature threshold. This feedback mechanism ensures the deicer remains active long enough to achieve sufficient deicing under varying freezing conditions, only deactivating when the temperature condition is genuinely met.
Solution Approach 2:
The deicer operation transitions from a static predetermined time approach to a dynamic temperature-based control system. The system adapts its operation duration based on actual windshield temperature conditions, extending operation when needed for severe freezing conditions and reducing operation when conditions are less severe, ensuring both sufficiency and energy efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual control is provided for deicer operation, then user flexibility is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to potential forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides both manual control capability and automatic operation. When activated manually, the deicer operates automatically based on temperature feedback until the deicing condition is achieved, then self-deactivates. This eliminates the need for users to remember to turn off the deicer while preserving manual activation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it accepts manual activation from the user, automatically monitors temperature conditions, determines when deicing is sufficient, and automatically deactivates the deicer. This multi-functionality combines the flexibility of manual control with the convenience of automatic 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 reduces energy consumption by ensuring the deicer operates only when necessary, enhancing deicing performance while minimizing battery drain and improving the driver's ability to manage deicer activation, thus extending the electric vehicle's driving range.
Implementation Method 1
A commonly used source of heat is an electrical resistance heating layer incorporated into or applied onto the windshield and driven by the vehicle electrical system.
Implementation Method 2
A windshield temperature sensor detects a temperature of the windshield at the parking region.
Implementation Method 3
Heat can also be obtained via a hot air (i.e., defrost) outlet from a cabin HVAC system.
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle apparatus includes a glass windshield and a wiper system. A wiper blade has a parking region on the windshield. A deicer selectably provides heat to the parking region. A windshield temperature sensor detects a temperature of the windshield at the parking region. A head-up display is mounted proximate the windshield to display a temperature indicator responsive to the detected temperature. An automatic control circuit is configured to automatically deactivate the deicer when detecting a deiced condition in response to the detected temperature. A manual control element is configured to manually activate and deactivate the deicer. Thus, excessive heating can be avoided based on feedback of the windshield temperature. In addition, the driver is reminded that the deicer is active in a way that simultaneously provides information enabling the driver to independently evaluate the vehicle conditions and to make informed decisions about when to intervene in the automatic operation.