Clear Vision Sensor

Sensors for measuring cleaning liquids:
fill level, concentration and temperature

Ensuring the clear view is crucial for safe driving, especially for autonomous driving and particularly in unfavorable weather conditions. AST International’s Clear Vision Sensor provides real-time monitoring of fill level, concentration and temperature to maintain clear windshields and cameras for safe driving conditions.

Thermal Conductivity Measurement

The Clear Vision Sensor works as a Thermal Conductivity Sensor (TCS). By analyzing the thermal conductivity of the liquid, the sensor measures the ethanol concentration which is vital for efficient cleaning and antifreeze protection.

Hydrostatic Pressure Sensing

In addition to ethanol measurement, the sensor precisely determines the fill level of the washer liquid using hydrostatic pressure sensing. The whater column in the reservoir deflects a membrane wich translates the pressure into an electronic signal.

Temperature Monitoring

Due to the temperature dependency of the thermal conductivity and density change of liquids at different temperatures, the sensor requires a temperature measurement function. This ensures that the measuring instruments can determine accurate values.

Measurement Results

The coordinated interaction of the three measurement technologies creates the following results that are relevant especially to autonomous driving vehicles.

Continuous level measurement:
The Clear Vision Sensor enables continuous monitoring of the fill level, so that the exact amount of liquid in the tank is known at all times and range predictions are possible.

Washer liquid temperature measurement:
Measuring the temperature enables the analysis of the washer fluid properties. It is used to compensate the temperature effects of the other measurements.

Precise measurement of ethanol concentration:
Accurate determination of ethanol concentration is crucial to ensure that the washer fluid effectively protects against icing while maintaining optimal and resource saving cleaning properties.

Determining the frost protection up to exact temperature:
Based on the measured data, the ethanol content can be used to determine the temperature at which the mixture starts to freeze.

These precise measurements make it possible to determine exactly how much ethanol or water is required and to communicate this accordingly to ensure that the cleaning system works optimally.

Flexible fuel tank integration

Unlike conventional level sensors, the Clear Vision Sensor uses hydrostatic pressure measurement technology to provide very accurate level measurement regardless of tank geometry. With our approach, the level is not measured based on height, as in the case of a „float“, but can be determined based on the pressure on the membrane. This new approach provides maximum flexibility in tank design.

In addition, the sensor can be customized to your specific requirements to ensure seamless integration into the washer tank. With our experience in custom sensor development, we can modify the sensor to ensure compatibility with a wide range of vehicle configurations and individual tank dimensions.

Technical Specifications

– Fill Level Measuring Range: 0 mm to 1000 mm

– Ethanol Percentage in Water: 0-100%

– Tank Temperature Measuring Range: -40°C to +80°C

– Fill Level Accuracy: ± 4% full scale

– Ethanol Percentage Accuracy: ± 4 wt%

– Temperature Measurement Precision: ± 2°C

– Interface Options: LIN / CAN / SENT, 0 to 5 V analog

– Inhouse developed software for easy implementation of the sensor

Use of the Clear vision sensor

Optimizes Driving Safety:
The Clear Vision Sensor provides real-time monitoring of washer liquid quality, ensuring clear windshields and camera lenses. By maintaining optimal visibility, it significantly reduces the risk of accidents and enhances overall driving safety, especially in autonomous vehicles.

Provides a cost-effective and resource-saving solution:
Equipping vehicles with the Clear Vision Sensor enables efficient management of washer fluid, leading to a well balanced ethanol content. This not only ensures effective cleaning but also contributes to cost savings and resource-savings for a sustainable future.

More Information?

You can find these in our free product brochure.

With the sensors from AST International, we offer exciting development projects for determining fill levels and concentrations of liquids. Thanks to our company history, we have many years of experience in the mobility and sensor industry and are able to translate this expertise into innovative solutions.

Let’s shape the mobility of tomorrow together!