FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
AND
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE
SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
“BREATHING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NULLIFYING CONDENSATION INSIDE LAMP
SYSTEM OF VEHICLE”
APPLICANT
TATA MOTORS LIMITED of Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, India; an Indian company
The following specification particularly describes
the nature of this invention and the manner
in which it is to be performed

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application is a patent of addition of Application no. 202121061387
filed on 29 December 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein. The
5 present disclosure relates to vehicle lamps, and more specifically related to
supplying air to vehicle lamps.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Vehicles, such as cars, include lamps, such as headlamps, that emit light.
10 Sometimes, water droplets may form inside the lamps due to condensation. The
condensation may happen if a relative humidity (a percentage of the amount of water vapour in the air at a given temperature compared to the maximum possible water vapour amount in the air at that temperature) in the lamp becomes 100 %. [0003] The presence of the water droplets in the lamp may impact driving
15 experience of driver of the vehicle. For instance, if water droplets are present on an
inner surface of a headlamp or on a lens in the headlamp, the water droplets are visible in the light from the headlamp that falls on the road. This may distract the driver of the vehicle.
20 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In an aspect, the embodiments herein provide a breathing system for a lamp system of a vehicle. The breathing system includes a thermally-conductive (TC) plate, a Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG), a blower, and a control unit. The TC plate is heatable. The TC plate has a plurality of openings (122) through which air
25 is to pass and wherein the air gets heated in response to heating of the TC plate. The
TEG is placed over the TC plate. The TEG is placed over the TC plate. The TEG generates heat for heating the TC plate. The blower is connected to the TEG to receive hot air from the TEG through the plurality of openings (122) and to blow the hot air. The control unit is connected to the lamp system, and a temperature
30 sensor. The control unit is configured to receive an environmental temperature from
the temperature sensor, receive a lamp temperature in the lamp system, switch-on

the breathing system to start heating the TC plate using the TEG and guide the hot air from the blower into the lamp system when the lamp temperature less than the environmental temperature.
[0005] In an embodiment, the TEG placed over the TC plate that generates electric
5 current to cause heating of the TC plate, and wherein the control unit is to allow
supply of a power to the TEG from a power source.
[0006] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to switch-off the breathing system to stop heating of the TC plate when the lamp temperature matches with the environmental temperature.
10 [0007] In an embodiment, the breathing system includes a guiding element coupled
to an outlet of the blower and to be coupled to the lamp system to supply the hot air from the blower into the lamp system.
[0008] In an embodiment, the breathing system includes a membrane connected between the TC plate and the blower to allow air & drop the water molecules.
15 [0009] In another aspect, the embodiments herein provide a vehicle comprising a
temperature sensor to sense an environmental temperature of the vehicle, a lamp system and an breathing system for the lamp system. The breathing system includes a TC plate that is heatable, where the TC plate has a plurality of openings (122) through which air is to pass and wherein the air gets heated in response to heating
20 of the TC plate. Further, the breathing system includes TEG placed over the TC
plate, where the TEG generates heat for heating the TC plate. Further, the breathing system includes a blower connected to the TEG to receive hot air from the TEG through the plurality of openings (122) and to blow the hot air. Furthermore, the breathing system includes a control unit connected to the lamp system, and the
25 temperature sensor. The control unit is configured to receive a lamp temperature in
the lamp system, and switch-on the breathing system to start heating the TC plate using the TEG and guide the hot air from the blower into the lamp system, when the lamp temperature less than the environmental temperature. [0010] In an embodiment, the breathing system is disposed in an engine
30 compartment of the vehicle.

[0011] In another aspect, the embodiments herein provide a method for nullifying
condensation inside a lamp system of the vehicle. The method includes receiving,
by a breathing system, an environmental temperature from the temperature sensor.
The method includes receiving, by the breathing system, a lamp temperature in the
5 lamp system and determining, by the breathing system, whether the lamp
temperature matches with the environmental temperature. Further, the method
includes switching-on, the breathing system to start heating the TC plate using the
TEG and guide the hot air from the blower into the lamp system, when the lamp
temperature less than the environmental temperature.
10 [0012] In an embodiment, the method includes determining, by the breathing
system, whether the lamp temperature matches with the environmental temperature and switching-off the breathing system to stop heating the TC plate using the TEG, when the lamp temperature matches the environmental temperature.
15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better
understood with regard to the following description, and accompanying figures.
The use of the same reference number in different figures indicates similar or
identical features and components.
20 [0014] Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle having a breathing system for the lamp system,
according to an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0015] Fig. 2 illustrates the blower, according to an implementation of the present
subject matter.
[0016] Fig. 3 illustrates the TEG, according to an implementation of the present
25 subject matter.
[0017] Fig. 4 illustrates the TC plate, according to an implementation of the present
subject matter.
[0018] Fig. 5 illustrates the guiding element, according to an implementation of the
present subject matter.
30 [0019] FIG. 6 is a membrane according to an implementation of the present subject
matter.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a temperature sensor according to an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a method for nullifying condensation inside a lamp system of the vehicle, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. 5
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0022] The present subject matter relates to air supply to lamps used in vehicles. Using techniques of the present subject matter, formation of water droplets in the lamps can be prevented.
10 [0023] In accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter, a
breathing system for a lamp system of a vehicle is provided. The breathing system includes a thermally-conductive (TC) plate, a Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG), a blower, and a control unit. The TC plate is heatable. The TC plate has a plurality of openings through which air is to pass and wherein the air gets heated in response to
15 heating of the TC plate. The TEG is placed over the TC plate. The TEG is placed
over the TC plate. The TEG generates heat for heating the TC plate. The blower is connected to the TEG to receive hot air from the TEG through the plurality of openings and to blow the hot air. The control unit is connected to the lamp system, and a temperature sensor. The control unit is configured to receive an environmental
20 temperature from the temperature sensor, receive a lamp temperature in the lamp
system, switch-on the breathing system to start heating the TC plate using the TEG and guide the hot air from the blower into the lamp system when the lamp temperature less than the environmental temperature. [0024] Condensation is a natural occurrence that happens when the temperature of
25 the exterior lamps of a vehicle drops below the dew point and there is a humid
environment surrounding it. This causes moisture or water droplets to form on the inner side of the automotive lamps, which can be seen by the human eye. This phenomenon can affect the product quality and performance, which is why the use of an "Breathing system" is recommended to nullify condensation inside the lamps
30 of a vehicle. The "Electrically Operated Breathing system" can be in a TEG rated
into the automotive lamp assembly and operated as a closed loop system. This

system can detect temperature differences between the lamp assembly and the
outside environment, and actively work to prevent condensation from forming
inside the lamps. By implementing this system, the product quality and performance
can be improved, resulting in a better customer experience.
5 [0025] The proposed solution involves an active breathing system with a closed
loop design that effectively eliminates condensation from the lamp assembly. [0026] The implementations herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting implementations that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in
10 the following description. It should be understood, however, that the following
descriptions, while indicating preferred implementations and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the implementations herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the implementations herein include
15 all such modifications. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate
an understanding of ways in which the implementations herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the implementations herein.
20 [0027] Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are
omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the implementations herein. Also, the various implementations described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some implementations can be combined with one or more other implementations to form new implementations.
25 [0028] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 7,
where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred implementations. Further, for the sake of simplicity, and without limitation, the same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. The implementations
30 herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to
the drawings.

[0029] Throughout the description the terms “lamp system” and “headlamp system” are used synonymously.
[0030] Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle having a breathing system (100) for the lamp
system (114), according to an implementation of the present subject matter.. The
5 vehicle comprises a temperature sensor (116) to sense an environmental
temperature of the vehicle, a lamp system (114), and an breathing system (100) for the lamp system (114). The breathing system (100) includes a TC plate (102) that is heatable, a TEG (104), a blower (108), a control unit (110), and a membrane (106) connected between the TC plate (102) and the blower (108) to allow air &
10 drop the water molecules.
[0031] The TC plate (102) has a plurality of openings (122) through which air is to pass and wherein the air gets heated in response to heating of the TC plate (102), and a control unit (110). The TEG (104) placed over the TC plate (102). The TEG (104) generates heat for heating the TC plate (102). The TEG (104) placed over the
15 TC plate (102) generates electric current to cause heating of the TC plate (102). The
control unit (110) is to allow supply of a power or current to the TEG (104) from a power source. The blower (108) is connected to the TEG (104) to receive hot air from the TEG (104) through the plurality of openings (122) and to blow the hot air. [0032] The control unit (110) is connected to the lamp system (114), and the
20 temperature sensor (116). The control unit (110) is configured to receive a lamp
temperature in the lamp system (114), receive an environmental temperature from the temperature sensor (116), and switch-on the breathing system (100) to start heating the TC plate (102) using the TEG (104) and guide the hot air from the blower (108) into the lamp system (114) when the lamp temperature less than the
25 environmental temperature. The control unit (110) is configured to switch-off the
breathing system (100) to stop heating of the TC plate (102) when the lamp temperature matches with the environmental temperature.
[0033] The guiding element (112) coupled to an outlet of the blower (108) and to be coupled to the lamp system (114) to supply the hot air from the blower (108)
30 into the lamp system (114).

[0034] The lamp system (114) may be part of the vehicle (not shown in Fig. 1),
such as a car. The lamp system (114) may emit light and may be, for example, a
headlamp that is used to illuminate the road on which the vehicle is travelling. The
lamp system (114) may accommodate a lens (not shown in Fig. 1) for emitting light.
5 Hereinafter, the lamp system (114) is explained as a headlamp.
[0035] Water droplets may form inside the headlamp system (114) when the relative humidity in the headlamp system (114) becomes 100 %. To prevent the formation of the water droplets, the vehicle may include a breathing system (100). The breathing system (100) may be coupled to the headlamp system (114) and may
10 supply hot air to the headlamp system (114) to increase the temperature inside the
headlamp system (114). The increase in the temperature decreases the relative humidity in the headlamp system (114) and therefore, prevents formation of water droplets and vaporizes the already-formed droplets. [0036] The breathing system (100) may be disposed in an engine compartment of
15 the vehicle. Further, the hot air from the breathing system (100) may be supplied to
the headlamp system (114) through one of a plurality of openings (122) that are provided on a periphery of the headlamp system (114) to allow for ventilation of the headlamp system (114). [0037] Fig. 2 illustrates the blower (108), according to an implementation of the
20 present subject matter. The breathing system (100) includes the blower (108) that
can suck air and blow the air to the headlamp system (114). The blower (108) may be operated by supplying electric current thereto. The electric current may be supplied, for example, from the power source (118)that powers the electrical loads in the vehicle. When the blower (108) is operated, air is sucked in through its inlet
25 and is ejected through the outlet. The inlet may be circular in shape. In an example,
the inlet may have a diameter of about 5 cm. The TC plate (102) may be disposed on the blower (108) such that the TC plate (102) covers the inlet.
[0038] Fig. 3 illustrates the TEG (104), according to an implementation of the present subject matter. The TEG (104) is placed over the TC plate (102). The TEG
30 (104) placed over the TC plate (102) that generates electric current to cause heating
of the TC plate (102). The TEG (104) generates a heat of 80°C to heat the TC plate

(102). To facilitate supply of electric current, the heating element may include terminals (120). The terminals (120) may be connected to the power source (118) (such as battery) of the vehicle to receive the electric current.
[0039] Fig. 4 illustrates the TC plate (102), according to an implementation of the
5 present subject matter. The breathing system (100) also includes the TC plate (102),
which is made of a thermally-conductive material, such as copper. The TC plate (102) may include a plurality of openings (122) and may be attached to the blower (108). For example, the TC plate (102) along with the TEG (104) is disposed on an inlet of the blower (108). Accordingly, air flows into the blower (108) through the
10 openings (122) of the TC plate (102).
[0040] The TC plate (102) can be heated to cause heating of the air that flows through the openings (122) of the TC plate (102) and into the blower (108). To cause heating of the TC plate (102), in an implementation, the breathing system (100) includes the TEG (104). The TEG (104) may get heated in response to being
15 supplied with electric current suppled through the power source. The TEG (104) is
attached to the TC plate (102). For example, the TEG (104) may be substantially plate-shaped, and may be disposed on the TC plate (102). Accordingly, a surface of the TEG (104) may be in contact with that of the TC plate (102). Since the heating element is in contact with the TC plate (102), when the heating element gets heated
20 (due to supply of electric current thereto), the TC plate (102) also gets heated.
[0041] The heat of the TEG (104) is uniformly distributed across the surface area of the TC plate (102). Therefore, the air that enters the blower (108) through the openings (122) of the TC plate (102) has a uniform temperature. In an example, the temperature of the hot air may be about 50° C. The hot air may be devoid of water
25 droplets due to the heating, and may therefore be referred to as hot dry air.
[0042] In an implementation, the heating of the TC plate (102) may be caused by a control unit (110), which may, for example, control supply of electric current to the TEG (104). The heating of the TC plate (102) may be performed based on humidity in the headlamp system (114).
30 [0043] In an example, the TC plate (102) has dimensions of 50 X 50 X 0.3 mm. As
illustrated, the TC plate (102) includes a plurality of openings (122), such as

openings (122). The openings (122) may be uniformly distributed across the surface
of the TC plate (102). Further, the openings (122) may extend through the thickness
of the TC plate (102), thereby ensuring that air can pass through the TC plate (102).
In an example, each opening may have a diameter of approximately 1 mm.
5 [0044] Fig. 5 illustrates the guiding element (112), according to an implementation
of the present subject matter. The breathing system (100) includes the guiding element (112) that is coupled at an outlet of the blower (108) to receive the air blown by the blower (108). An outlet of the guiding element (112) is coupled to the opening of the headlamp system (114) to supply the air collected from the blower
10 (108) to the headlamp system (114). As explained earlier, the guiding element (112)
conveys hot air from the blower (108) to the headlamp system (114). In an example, an inlet of the guiding element (112), through which the hot air from the blower (108) is received in the guiding element (112), has a greater area than the outlet. Accordingly, when the hot air travels in the guiding element (112), from the inlet
15 to the outlet, the hot air travels through area of decreasing area, and therefore, the
pressure of the hot air increases.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a membrane (106) according to an implementation of the present subject matter. The membrane (106) is connected between the TC plate (102) and the blower (108) to allow air & drop the water molecules. The membrane (106) is
20 strategically placed between the TC plate (102) and the blower (108) to facilitate
the movement of air and the separation of water molecules. The membrane (106) is designed to be permeable to air, which allows for the flow of air to pass through it while preventing the passage of water molecules. This ensures that the air that is blown out by the blower (108) is free of any water droplets, which could otherwise
25 cause damage to the surrounding environment or equipment. The membrane (106)
acts as a barrier, effectively trapping the water molecules and preventing them from being blown out along with the air. This ensures that the system operates efficiently and effectively, while also minimizing any potential risks or hazards. [0046] FIG. 7 is a temperature sensor (116) according to an implementation of the
30 present subject matter. The temperature sensor (116) is a device that is designed to
detect and measure the environmental temperature of the vehicle. This sensor is

typically located within the vehicle, such as the engine compartment or the cabin,
and is designed to provide accurate and reliable temperature readings. The sensor
may be connected to a control unit (110) or other electronic device that can use the
temperature data to adjust various systems within the vehicle, such as the heating
5 and cooling systems or the engine management system. In some embodiments, the
temperature sensor (116) may be a thermistor or other type of temperature-sensitive
resistor that changes its electrical resistance in response to changes in temperature.
Other types of temperature sensor (116)s that may be used in vehicles include
thermocouples, infrared sensors, and bimetallic strips.
10 [0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a method for nullifying condensation inside a lamp system
(114) of the vehicle, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.
At S1, the method includes detecting that the key is inside the vehicle.
[0048] At S2, the method includes receiving an environmental temperature from
the temperature sensor (116). This means that the temperature sensor (116) is
15 actively monitoring the surrounding environment and sending temperature data to
the system. This data is then received and processed by the system.
[0049] At S3, the method includes receiving a lamp temperature in the lamp system
(114).
[0050] At S4, the method includes determining whether the lamp temperature in the
20 lamp system (114) matches with the environmental temperature from the
temperature sensor (116).
[0051] At S5, the method includes switching-on the breathing system (100) to start
heating the TC plate (102) using the TEG (104) and guide the hot air from the
blower (108) into the lamp system (114) when the lamp temperature less than the
25 environmental temperature.
[0052] At S6, the method includes determining whether the lamp temperature in the
lamp system (114) matches with the environmental temperature from the
temperature sensor (116).
[0053] At S7, the method includes switching-off the breathing system (100) to stop
30 heating the TC plate (102) using the TEG (104), when the lamp temperature less
than the environmental temperature.

[0054] Although the present subject matter is explained with reference to a headlamp, the techniques of the present subject matter can be utilized in other lamps of the vehicles.
[0055] The present subject matter prevents formation of water droplets in lamps of
5 vehicles in a simple and efficient manner. The techniques of the present subject
matter can be utilized in a variety of lamps and in a variety of vehicles. The blower (108) system of the present subject matter is compact and achieves quick heating within the lamps. [0056] The foregoing description of the specific implementations will so fully
10 reveal the general nature of the implementations herein that others can, by applying
current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such modifications and adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed implementations. It is to be understood that
15 the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description
and not of limitation. Therefore, while the implementations herein have been described in terms of preferred implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that the implementations herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the implementations as described herein.
20

We Claim:
1. A breathing system (100) for a lamp system (114) of a vehicle, wherein the
breathing system (100) comprising:
a thermally-conductive (TC) plate (102) that is heatable, wherein the TC plate
(102) has a plurality of openings (122) through which air is to pass and wherein the
5 air gets heated in response to heating of the TC plate (102),
a Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) placed over the TC plate (102), wherein the TEG (104) generates heat for heating the TC plate (102), and
a blower (108) connected to the TEG (104) to receive hot air from the TEG
(104) through the plurality of openings (122) and to blow the hot air;
10 a control unit (110) connected to the lamp system (114), and a temperature
sensor (116), wherein the control unit (110) is configured to:
receive an environmental temperature from the temperature sensor (116),
receive a lamp temperature in the lamp system (114), and
15 switch-on the breathing system (100) to start heating the TC plate (102)
using the TEG (104) and guide the hot air from the blower (108) into the lamp system (114) when the lamp temperature less than the environmental temperature.
20 2. The breathing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the TEG (104)
placed over the TC plate (102) generates electric current to cause heating of the TC plate (102), and wherein the control unit (110) is to allow supply of a power to the TEG (104) from a power source.
25 3. The breathing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit
(110) is configured to switch-off the breathing system (100) to stop heating of the TC plate (102) when the lamp temperature matches with the environmental temperature.
30 4. The breathing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

a guiding element (112) coupled to an outlet of the blower (108) and to be coupled to the lamp system (114) to supply the hot air from the blower (108) into the lamp system (114).
5 5. The breathing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a membrane
(106) connected between the TC plate (102) and the blower (108) to allow air & drop the water molecules.
6. A vehicle comprising:
10 a temperature sensor (116) to sense an environmental temperature of the
vehicle;
a lamp system (114);
an breathing system (100) for the lamp system (114), wherein the breathing
system (100) comprises:
15 a thermally-conductive (TC) plate (102) that is heatable, wherein the
TC plate (102) has a plurality of openings (122) through which air is to pass and wherein the air gets heated in response to heating of the TC plate (102),
a Thermo Electric Generator (TEG) placed over the TC plate (102),
wherein the TEG (104) generates heat for heating the TC plate (102),
20 a blower (108) connected to the TEG (104) to receive hot air from the
TEG (104) through the plurality of openings (122) and to blow the hot air, and
a control unit (110) connected to the lamp system (114), and the
temperature sensor (116), wherein the control unit (110) is configured to:
25 receive a lamp temperature in the lamp system (114), and
switch-on the breathing system (100) to start heating the TC plate (102) using the TEG (104) and guide the hot air from the blower (108) into the lamp system (114) when the lamp temperature less than the environmental temperature. 30

7. The vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the breathing system (100) is
disposed in an engine compartment of the vehicle.
8. A method for nullifying condensation inside a lamp system (114) of the vehicle,
5 comprising:
receiving, by a breathing system (100), an environmental temperature from the temperature sensor (116)
receiving, by the breathing system (100), a lamp temperature in the lamp
system (114)
10 determining, by the breathing system (100), whether the lamp
temperature matches with the environmental temperature; and
switching-on, the breathing system (100) to start heating the TC plate
(102) using the TEG (104) and guide the hot air from the blower (108) into
the lamp system (114), when the lamp temperature less than the
15 environmental temperature.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
determining, by the breathing system (100), whether the lamp temperature
matches with the environmental temperature; and
20 switching-off the breathing system (100) to stop heating the TC plate (102)
using the TEG (104), when the lamp temperature matches the environmental temperature.