Methods and systems for controlling vehicle defrost units
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling a defrost unit for a vehicle, the defrost unit comprising an electric grid, the method comprising the steps of:
- determining a dew point proximate the vehicle;
determining a resistance of the electric grid;
determining a surface temperature proximate a surface of the vehicle using the resistance of the electric grid; and
automatically activating the electric grid when the surface temperature is less than the dew point.
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a defrost unit for a vehicle. A prediction is performed as to whether condensation has formed against a surface of the vehicle. The defrost unit is automatically activated when it is predicted that the condensation has formed against the surface. Another prediction is made as to whether condensation has dissipated from the surface while the defrost unit is operating. The defrost unit is automatically deactivated when it is predicted that the condensation has dissipated.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a defrost unit for a vehicle, the defrost unit comprising an electric grid, the method comprising the steps of:
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determining a dew point proximate the vehicle; determining a resistance of the electric grid; determining a surface temperature proximate a surface of the vehicle using the resistance of the electric grid; and automatically activating the electric grid when the surface temperature is less than the dew point. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 5, 6)
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4. The method of 1, wherein the step of determining the resistance comprises the steps of:
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measuring a voltage of the vehicle; measuring a current to the electric grid; and determining the resistance using the voltage and the current.
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7. A method for controlling a defrost unit for a vehicle, the defrost unit comprising an electric grid, the method comprising the steps of:
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determining a resistance of the electric grid; determining a surface temperature proximate a surface of the vehicle while the electric grid is operating using the resistance of the electric grid; and automatically deactivating the electric grid when the surface temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. A system for controlling a defrost unit for a vehicle, the defrost unit comprising an electric grid, the system comprising:
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a data unit configured to obtain data regarding parameters pertaining to the vehicle, the parameters including a dew point proximate the vehicle and a resistance of the electric grid; and a processor coupled to the data unit and configured to; determine, using the data, a surface temperature proximate a surface of the vehicle using the resistance of the electric grid; and automatically activate the electric grid when the surface temperature is less than the dew point. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification