Windshield Temperature Sensor Layout for Accurate Dew Point Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle environmental control systems for predicting internal misting of windows, such as windshields, are aesthetically unattractive and can distract drivers due to their placement on the windshield, and the sensors may not accurately represent ambient cabin conditions when housed together near the windshield.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle environmental control system with separate sensor assemblies for window temperature, ambient humidity, and ambient temperature, where the latter two are mounted away from the window temperature sensor, allowing for more accurate representation of cabin conditions and improved aesthetics by placing them within the rearview mirror housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor assemblies are placed together in a common housing on the windshield, then the structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the sensors do not accurately represent ambient cabin conditions and the unit distracts the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate functional modules: a window temperature sensor assembly mounted on the windshield, and separate ambient temperature and humidity sensor assemblies mounted in the cabin header. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimally positioned for its specific measurement function, improving accuracy while distributing complexity across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ambient temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are extracted from the windshield-mounted window temperature sensor assembly and relocated to the cabin header. This extraction eliminates the distraction and obscuration problems caused by having all sensors in one location on the windshield, while also allowing the ambient sensors to measure true cabin conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor housing is attached to the interior surface of the windscreen, then the window temperature can be accurately sensed, but the unit obscures the driver's vision and is aesthetically unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The ambient temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are extracted from the windshield-mounted housing and relocated to the cabin header, eliminating the visual obstruction and driver distraction caused by having sensors mounted on the windshield while maintaining the ability to sense window temperature through the separate window temperature sensor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system transitions from a single-location three-dimensional mounting on the windshield to a distributed arrangement where window temperature sensing remains near the windshield but ambient condition sensing moves to the cabin header, effectively using the vehicle's spatial dimensions to resolve the conflict between measurement accuracy and driver visibility.
3Reliability
If the sensor assemblies are mounted separately at different locations, then accurate representation of cabin conditions is achieved and aesthetics are improved, but the system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the sensor assemblies are physically separated for accurate measurement, their control and signal processing functions are merged in the vehicle header, where all sensor inputs converge for unified processing. This merging simplifies the overall system architecture despite the physical separation of sensing elements.
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 configuration enhances driver visibility, reduces aesthetic concerns, and provides more accurate predictions of misting, enabling proactive control of HVAC systems to prevent misting, while allowing independent measurement of cabin conditions for passenger comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a window temperature sensor assembly for sensing the temperature of an interior surface of a vehicle window
Implementation Method 2
a humidity sensor assembly for sensing the ambient air humidity within the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a second temperature sensor assembly for sensing the temperature of the humidity sensor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor system for a vehicle includes a temperature sensor assembly having a thermally insulating body, a temperature sensing element thermally insulated within the body, and a thermally conductive contacting element exposed externally of the body and in thermal communication with the temperature sensing element. The thermally conductive contacting element is urged into contact with an interior cabin side of a windshield of the vehicle for sensing the temperature of the vehicle windshield. A controller, responsive to the temperature sensing element and another temperature sensing element and a humidity sensing element of the vehicle, is operable to calculate an ambient dew point and to control a cabin climate control system of the vehicle responsive to the calculated ambient dew point. The other temperature sensing element is mounted in the vehicle away from the vehicle windshield.