Active Moisture Removal by AML Systems and W. L. Gore & Associates puts Headlamp Condensation Protection on a New Level
PARIS, France (October 9, 2018) – AML Systems (AML) and W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) introduce a new technology to actively prevent condensation and put headlamps on a new level of protection. AML’s Condensation Management Device (CMD) enabled by GORE™ Condensation Management Products leverages electrical power and regenerative desiccants to actively remove recurring moisture from automotive headlamps. The new technology will be presented today at the Conference SIA VISION 2018 in Paris.
The development of the CMD is the result of a 2-year collaborative effort between both companies. “Our expertise in the field of actuating devices and headlights is renowned world-wide today. Gore, expert in condensation management and ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membranes, decided to partner with us and tackle the problem at the root, rather than deal with the symptoms”, says Hassan Koulouh, Innovation Manager at AML Systems.
Condensation in automotive exterior lamps occurs when the internal lamp dew point is higher than the lens temperature. Condensation is omnipresent and LED technologies, which change the thermodynamic conditions inside the lamps, increase the risk of condensation formation.
The costs of dealing with condensation can be significant. Headlamp condensation can lead consumers to believe their vehicle has defective lamps and can result in additional cost to the dealer who must address an unhappy customer. In addition to the consumer issues, condensation may accelerate the aging of electronic components.
“Due to the complexity of moisture transfer routes and the broad variety of lamp designs, at present, there is no commercially available “one size fits all” solution that keeps lenses 100% free of condensation. The effectiveness of all existing solutions greatly depends upon the specific ambient conditions and the dew point inside the lamp. This is where the new product unfolds its innovative potential”, explains Dr. Ulrike Geißler, Product Manager Automotive Lighting at W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH.
New AML Condensation Management Device enabled by GORE™ Condensation Management Products can do more!
The Condensation Management Device (CMD) is designed to actively reduce the humidity level inside the headlamp and significantly reduce the risk of condensation. It is an electromechanical device installed on the headlamp housing with one side inside the housing and the other side outside.
Being equipped with a breathable membrane and a radial seal, it allows the headlamp to remain completely sealed and to provide pressure equalization at the same time. No other venting system is needed in addition.
The CMD works as a moisture pump and is operated in cycles. It incorporates a desiccant material that adsorbs the moisture from the inner headlamp and desorbs (releases) it to the external environment when saturated. In the adsorb stage the adsorb gate is opened to the inner headlamp and the desorb gate is closed. The desiccant adsorbs moisture from the inner headlamp, lowering the dew point inside the lamp.
In the desorb stage the adsorb gate is closed and the desorb gate is open to the environment. In parallel, the desiccant is regenerated. The breathable GORE® Vent on the outside of the CMD reliably allows pressure equalization in each stage and protection from dust and water ingress into the headlamp.
Even in extremely humid weather conditions, the new technology actively removes moisture from headlamps, and at the same time provides dust and water protection as well as pressure equalization to the headlamp. For the first time, it allows to partially decouple the headlamp conditions from ambient conditions.
About AML Systems
AML Systems, lighting business of Johnson Electric Group, designs, produces and commercializes solutions to improve visibility and driver’s safety. With 20+ years of expertise, AML systems is a leading supplier of levelers, smart lighting actuators and headlamp cleaning systems for the automotive industry. AML Systems has today a local presence in 7 major automotive countries and delivers worldwide. www.aml-systems.com
About Gore
W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With 9,500 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $3.5 billion. www.gore.com
Media Contacts
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