Simple New Sensors For Rain & Snow Auto Wipers and Automotive Deicing Offer Greater Precision an
Whether it be a false positive due to ambient light or inefficiencies in deicing, current automated wiper and snow removal systems have their flaws. They have also experienced a rather slow adoption rate in economy class vehicles due to their manufacturing cost.
Rain sensors currently rely on light to detect rainfall. This can result in them being tricked by changes in environmental lighting, as is the case with sensors implemented by many leading automakers. While rain sensors used in the industry function, most of the vehicle sensors do not engage the wipers to precisely match that of the specific rain intensity at a high level of efficacy and vehicle owners have further experienced issues with other light sources and when traveling through underpasses. The result is a system where unexpected engagement and secession of wiper systems may occur unexpectedly and wiper speed may not effectively match rain intensity therein being both inconvenient and potentially unsafe for vehicle occupants.
As for automated snow and deicing systems, current sensors rely on external temperature. Once the temperature drops below a designated threshold, de-icing systems either remain active or for a specific designated period of time whether snow/ice is present or not. This results in inefficiencies in power consumption for both conventional and electric vehicles as well as unnecessary wear and tear on components. Further, for automated deicing systems that remain on for a specific period of time, the issue may arise of driving in a winter storm wherein snow is falling throughout a particular driving trip which may very well beyond the manufacturer's specified deicing time period. This would lead to a deficiency in deicing which could potentially hinder the driver’s visibility.
These very important concerns have been addressed by the team of engineers at Atlanta based Podium Automotive. Podium has successfully developed/tested two new sensors which provide innovative, and cost effective solutions to both these important automotive issues. The new innovative sensors are patented internationally and are now available for automotive implementations through licensing.
Podium’s rain intensity sensor is a simple yet very effective surface based technology allowing it to detect the very presence and exact intensity of rainfall without any reliance on ambient light. It is therefore able to reliably and safely manage windshield wiper systems in all lighting conditions. Precise rain intensity can be realized and implemented for greater autonomous windshield wiper efficacy.
Podium’s revolutionary winter precipitation sensor is quite unique in that it can reliably detect snow and ice buildup on any automotive surface. The sensor technology can detect the very commencement of winter precipitation accretion and the second it has been removed. It can be effectively implemented for side-mirrors, front and rear windshields, heated wiper pads, and improvement of autonomous vehicle sensor efficacy in winter by detecting frozen precipitation on Lidar, radar or camera sensor housing. The technology precisely allows de-icing systems to activate and only remain active in the presence of ice or snow.
Podium Automotive ‘s reliable sensors can be produced at a very low cost as their components are made from off the shelf components that will allow automotive manufacturers to implement the technologies across their numerous lineups, including their most affordable models.
The technologies speak for themselves and will not only allow automotive manufacturers to provide consumers more accurate and reliable sensor functions but a greater sense of hands-free functionality, occupant safety, and potentially a better driving experience.
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