Windshield Embedded Optical Fiber Sensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sensor systems require additional support structures for optical fibers and reflectors, increasing complexity and reducing efficiency in data collection for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle operations.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber and reflector system embedded within the windshield, where the reflector is oriented to collect and reflect light to the optical fiber, allowing for data collection and transmission without external support structures, integrated with a sensor such as a camera for navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional support structures are used for optical fibers and reflectors, then the sensor system can be assembled and operated, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system operationVSAvoidsupport structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber and reflector are merged into a single integrated assembly that is embedded within the windshield structure. The optical fiber is positioned in a groove formed in the windshield, and the reflector is mounted on the windshield surface, eliminating the need for separate support structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The windshield serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vehicle, protects the interior, and simultaneously acts as the mounting structure for the optical fiber and reflector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated support structures, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable sensor operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional support structures are used for optical fibers and reflectors, then the sensor system can be assembled and operated, but the assembly process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system operationVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove for the optical fiber and the mounting structure for the reflector are pre-formed as integral parts of the windshield during windshield manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate assembly steps involving additional support structures, making the overall assembly process simpler and more manufacturable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 simplifies the assembly and operation of vehicle sensor systems by embedding optical fibers and reflectors within the windshield, enhancing data collection and navigation capabilities while reducing complexity and external interference.

Implementation Method 1

an optical fiber extending between a first end and a second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

a reflector embedded in the windshield and oriented to reflect light to a first end of the optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10543812B1Vehicle sensor

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A system includes an optical fiber embedded in a windshield. The system includes a reflector embedded in the windshield and oriented to reflect light to a first end of the optical fiber. The system includes a sensor oriented to receive light from a second end of the optical fiber.