Dedicated Windshield Heating Element for Warning Light Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interior-mounted warning lights on unmarked police vehicles are rendered ineffective by ice and snow buildup on the windshield, which is not cleared by standard wipers, obstructing visibility and light transmission.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated windshield heating element, integrated with the warning light system, is activated by a controller in response to precipitation and low temperatures to maintain a clear area above the warning lights, ensuring uninterrupted light visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If windshield wipers are used to clear ice and snow, then the lower windshield area is cleared, but the upper margin area in front of warning lights remains blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a dedicated heating element specifically at the upper margin of the windshield where ice and snow accumulate, rather than relying on general windshield clearing. This localized heating zone ensures that the area directly in front of warning lights remains clear while acknowledging that standard wipers cannot reach this upper region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the windshield clearing function into two distinct zones: the lower area handled by traditional wipers and the upper margin area handled by the dedicated heating element. This segmentation allows each component to address specific clearing needs, with the heating element specifically targeting the region where ice and snow would block warning light visibility.
2Reliability
If a dedicated heating element is added to clear the upper windshield margin, then warning light visibility is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the heating element control into the existing windshield defroster system. The same controller that manages the general windshield defroster also activates the dedicated upper margin heating element, allowing a single control interface to manage multiple heating zones without adding separate controls or significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the dedicated upper margin heating element with the existing windshield defroster system, combining both heating functions under a single control architecture. This integration allows the system to maintain warning light visibility while utilizing existing control infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the heating element is activated continuously, then the windshield remains clear of ice and snow, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a controller to monitor conditions and activate the heating element only when necessary. The system responds to environmental conditions such as temperature and precipitation data, activating the heating element during cold, wet conditions and deactivating it when conditions improve, thereby maintaining windshield clarity while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the heating element in response to specific environmental conditions rather than continuously. The controller monitors temperature and precipitation data, activating heating only during cold, wet periods when ice and snow accumulation is likely, and deactivating during milder conditions, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
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 solution effectively clears ice, fog, or snow from the windshield, maintaining the visibility and effectiveness of the warning lights, thereby enhancing public safety by ensuring continuous light transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element may comprise a decal with a resistance heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A warning light system that is provided for a motor vehicle includes a warning light assembly and a heating element carried on a windshield of the motor vehicle, vehicle forward of the warning light assembly. The heating element is dedicated to providing a clear sight path to the warning light and thereby increasing its effectiveness. A related method is also provided.