Windshield Indicator with Thermal Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle windshield defrosting systems lack effective indicators to visually communicate the activation state and relative temperature of the windshield to occupants, relying solely on internal indicators that may not provide real-time or intuitive temperature feedback.
Innovation Solution
A windshield assembly with a thermally coupled heating element and indicator, featuring a printed circuit board with a processor and light source that illuminates an icon to indicate the activation state and relative temperature, using color changes to convey temperature information visually aligned with the windshield's frit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional internal indicator is used to indicate defrosting status, then the device complexity is low, but the information feedback to occupants is insufficient and not intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicator with the windshield assembly itself, integrating the light source and icon directly into the windshield structure. This combination provides comprehensive temperature feedback information while maintaining relatively simple device complexity, as the indicator becomes part of the existing windshield system rather than a separate complex assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color changes in the illuminated icon to convey different temperature states of the windshield. By using different colors to represent different temperature ranges, the system provides rich information feedback without requiring complex additional components, thus resolving the contradiction between information completeness and device simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If an indicator is thermally coupled to the windshield to show real-time temperature, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the indicator is thermally coupled to the windshield and automatically responds to temperature changes by illuminating appropriate icons. This feedback system provides precise real-time temperature measurement while managing energy consumption through selective illumination based on actual temperature conditions, activating indicators only when temperature thresholds are met.
3Loss of information
If multiple indicators are added to show both activation state and temperature, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the indicator assembly to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same thermal coupling mechanism and light source structure provide both activation state indication and temperature measurement display through different icon illuminations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate indicator systems, thereby providing comprehensive information while controlling device complexity.
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
Provides real-time, intuitive visual feedback on the windshield's temperature and defrosting status, enhancing occupant awareness and comfort by using color-coded illumination to represent temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element thermally coupled to the windshield
Implementation Method 2
a light source for illuminating an icon indicating at least one of an activation state of the heating element and a relative temperature of the windshield
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield assembly is provided herein. The windshield assembly includes a windshield having a frit and an indicator thermally coupled to the windshield to visually coincide with the frit and operable to illuminate in order to indicate a relative temperature of the windshield.