Rain detector
US8576083B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60S1/0825
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rain detector for use with an automotive vehicle. The rain detector includes a capacitance sensor mounted to the inside surface of a windshield. The sensor includes at least two output lines which vary in capacitance as the function of magnitude of rain on the outside surface of the windshield. A programmed microcontroller receives the sensor output lines as analog input signals and then compares the magnitude of the capacitance with a threshold capacitance. In the event that the sensed capacitance exceeds the threshold capacitance, indicative of raindrops on the outside surface of the windshield, the microcontroller generates an output signal to the wiper control circuitry of the vehicle to activate the windshield wiper system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.