Vehicle Windshield De-Icing Control Using Automatic Spray Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing processes for vehicle glazed surfaces require human intervention, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous de-icing process that activates based on predefined conditions, including vehicle ignition, exterior temperature, demisting function, and presence of a driver, using a wiper system with a spraying device to apply de-icing liquid automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual activation of de-icing process is used, then user control over de-icing timing is improved, but automation level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The de-icing system activates automatically based on sensor inputs (temperature, ice detection) and pre-programmed conditions, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring environmental conditions and executing de-icing cycles autonomously when conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor temperature, ice presence, and system state, feeding this information back to the control unit which automatically adjusts and executes de-icing operations based on real-time conditions, replacing manual control with automated feedback-driven operation.
2Extent of automation
If automatic de-icing activation is implemented, then automation level is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors temperature sensors, detects ice conditions, manages spray pump operation, controls wiper activation, and coordinates heating elements. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines temperature sensing, ice detection, liquid spraying, mechanical wiping, and heating functions into an integrated de-icing system managed by a single control unit, reducing the complexity that would arise from separate independent systems for each function.
3Reliability
If multiple verification conditions are added, then de-icing accuracy is improved, but processing time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of temperature and ice conditions through sensors before activating the de-icing cycle. By checking conditions in advance and only activating when all criteria are met, the system ensures accurate timing of de-icing operations without unnecessary delays from repeated checking during execution.
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
Enables automatic and efficient de-icing of vehicle glazed surfaces without user intervention, ensuring the vehicle is ready for use by eliminating ice when needed.
Implementation Method 1
spraying by the said at least one device for spraying of the said liquid onto the said glazed surface
Implementation Method 2
the said de-icing cycle comprises spraying of a heated liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A process (1) for de-icing a glazed surface (20) of a vehicle (2) is disclosed. A de-icing device (21) includes a wiper system (210) with at least one device for spraying a liquid (L, Lq), and is used to perform a method involving verification (E1) of a primary condition (C1) according to which the ignition (Cc) of the said vehicle (2) is activated, verification (E2) of a secondary condition (C2) according to which the exterior temperature (t) is below a temperature threshold (Th1), verification (E3) of a tertiary condition (C3) according to which a demisting function (fd) is activated; and when all of the conditions are fulfilled, then activation (E4) of the de-icing device (21) in order to start a de-icing cycle (Cy). The de-icing cycle (Cy) comprising spraying by the device for spraying of the liquid (L, Lq) onto the glazed surface (20).