Windshield Sensor Mount With Pressing Member for Stable Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield sensing devices face challenges due to the aging and degradation of foam elements used for attachment, as well as complex soldering processes, which affect the reliability and longevity of temperature and humidity sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device with a resilient plastic pressing device that applies pressure to a transducer, integrated into a one-piece attachment member, simplifying manufacturing and enhancing durability against vibrations and shocks, allowing for improved contact with the windshield surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If foam elements are used to attach the sensing device to the windshield, then the device can be easily installed and the sensor can contact the surface, but the foam elements are subject to aging and degradation which reduces reliability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the reusable foam elements that degrade over time with a disposable adhesive layer. The adhesive is applied to the attachment member and provides reliable bonding without the aging issues of foam. This allows the sensing device to be securely attached to the windshield while eliminating the reliability problems associated with foam degradation.
2Reliability
If multiple soldering steps are used to connect the thermistor to the PCB and connector, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate soldering operations into a single integrated soldering step. The PCB and connector are pre-assembled with their electrical connections established, allowing the sensing element to be soldered to both components simultaneously in one operation. This merging of steps maintains reliable electrical connections while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assembly of the PCB and connector before final assembly with the sensing element. The electrical connections between PCB and connector are established in advance, so that when the sensing element is attached, the electrical pathway is already prepared. This preliminary action eliminates the need for multiple sequential soldering steps during final assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the sensing device uses conventional attachment methods with foam elements, then the sensor can be positioned on the windshield, but the attachment mechanism degrades due to mechanical stress and vibration reducing longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the long-term reusable foam attachment elements with a disposable adhesive layer that provides durable bonding. The adhesive is designed to withstand mechanical stress and vibration throughout the vehicle's lifetime, eliminating the degradation issues that limit the service life of foam-based attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical compression of foam elements to chemical bonding via adhesive. This parameter change from mechanical to chemical attachment provides superior resistance to vibration and mechanical stress, significantly extending the longevity of the sensing device attachment while maintaining ease of positioning during installation.
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 provides a stable and reliable attachment mechanism that maintains sensor contact with the windshield, reducing manufacturing complexity and increasing the longevity of the sensing device, while enhancing the accuracy and reliability of temperature and humidity measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The pressing device applies a pressure on or over the transducer when the attachment member is attached to the surface and presses the transducer against the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device for a windshield includes an attachment member attachable to a surface of the windshield and a sensing element having a transducer. The attachment member has a pressing device. The pressing device applies a pressure on or over the transducer when the attachment member is attached to the surface and presses the transducer against the surface.