Selective de-icing and cleaning system for an underbody in a vehicle

Abstract

This document describes a selective de-icing and cleaning system (100) for the underbody (100A) of a vehicle. The system (100) comprises at least one camera (102) configured to capture a set of images of the underbody (100A), a water jet assembly (104) configured to be movable on the underbody (100A), and a controller (106) functionally connected to the camera (102), the water jet assembly (104), and a human-machine interface (HMI) device. The controller (106) is configured to display the captured set of images of the underbody (100A) on the HMI device (108), receive user input selecting a target area for cleaning and de-icing the underbody, and control the movement and actuation of the water jet assembly (104) to direct water onto the selected target area.

Description

The present invention relates generally to the field of de-icing and cleaning systems. In particular, the present invention provides an automated and effective de-icing and cleaning system for the underbody of a vehicle. In cold weather conditions, the accumulation of ice or dirt on a vehicle's underbody poses several challenges to both its structural integrity and overall performance. Key areas such as the battery compartment, front and rear subframes are particularly susceptible to ice or dirt buildup, which can lead to corrosion of metal components. Corrosion weakens the structural strength and durability of these parts, potentially resulting in costly repairs and reduced vehicle lifespan. Additionally, cold temperatures negatively impact the vehicle battery's performance. When the ambient temperature drops below the battery's optimal operating range, the electrochemical reactions within the battery slow down.This delay in response speed reduces the amount of current generated and transferred to the motor or drive system, thus weakening the battery's power output. Reduced power can negatively impact the vehicle's handling and range, especially in electric or hybrid vehicles where battery efficiency is crucial. Ice and dirt buildup on underbody components also poses a risk to critical systems such as brakes and suspension. Accumulated deposits can impair the function of these parts, leading to reduced performance and potential safety hazards. Furthermore, the weight of ice accumulation on the underbody can damage lightweight composite components, such as aerodynamic panels designed to improve the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency. Damage to these components can disrupt the vehicle's aerodynamic profile, resulting in increased drag and reduced fuel efficiency or range in electric vehicles.Therefore, preventing ice build-up or reducing its harmful effects on the vehicle underbody is important to maintain vehicle performance, ensure safety, and preserve the longevity of vehicle components in cold environments. Approaches to vehicle de-icing and cleaning have been pursued in the past. For example, patent document US10293790B2 discloses a cleaning device for a vehicle that includes rails above and below the vehicle's windshield. The cleaning device further includes a brush, a wiper blade, and a spray bar extending along one edge of the windshield. The spray bar dispenses cleaning fluid, while the brush rotates against the windshield. The spray bar, rotating brush, and wiper blade move along the rails and across the windshield to clean it. However, the cited document does not provide a de-icing and cleaning system for the undercarriage of a vehicle. There is therefore a need to address the aforementioned disadvantages, limitations and problems by providing an automated and effective underbody de-icing and cleaning system in a vehicle. A general objective of the present invention is to free a vehicle underbody from accumulated ice and dirt. One objective of the present invention is to provide an automated de-icing and cleaning system for a vehicle underbody that can selectively clean user-selected areas of the underbody and prevent the accumulation of ice and dirt. One objective of the present invention is to provide a de-icing and cleaning system that can be operated in cold weather environments in order to maintain the longevity of the underbody components and to ensure safety, reliability and cost-efficiency by preventing ice damage. Aspects of the present invention relate to the field of de-icing and cleaning systems. In particular, the present invention provides an automated and effective de-icing and cleaning system for the underbody of a vehicle. According to one aspect, the present invention describes a selective de-icing and cleaning system for the underbody of a vehicle. The system comprises at least one camera configured to capture a set of images of the vehicle's underbody, a water jet assembly movable on the vehicle's underbody, and a controller communicating with the at least one camera, the water jet assembly, and a human-machine interface (HMI) associated with one or more users. The controller is configured to display the captured set of underbody images on the HMI, receive user input via the HMI specifying a target area on the underbody for de-icing or cleaning, and control the movement and actuation of the water jet assembly to direct a water jet onto the selected target area. The water jet assembly can include a nozzle fluidically connected to a water reservoir via a set of lines, and a pump unit fluidically configured between the reservoir and the nozzle. The pump unit can include a pump or compressor associated with the vehicle. The control system can be configured to actuate the pump unit, allowing pressurized water flow from the reservoir to the nozzle, causing the nozzle to spray a jet of water onto the target area. In one aspect, the cameras can be positioned on the water jet assembly. Accordingly, the control system can be configured to move the water jet assembly over an area of ​​the underbody while simultaneously activating the cameras to capture the set of images of the underbody. Additionally, the system can include a tray that houses the water jet assembly and is movably configured to fit an open section of the underbody. The tray, together with the water jet assembly, can be configured to move between a stowed position, in which the water jet assembly remains securely behind the underbody and the open section is covered by the tray, and an extended position, in which the water jet assembly moves out of the underbody through the open section. Furthermore, the system may include a first set of actuators configured between the shell and the underbody, with the control configured to actuate the first set of actuators to move the shell and water jet assembly between the stowed position and the extended position. The first set of actuators can include a set of linkages that movably connect the bowl to the base, and a first set of motors that, when actuated by the control system, can cause the movement of the bowl and the water jet assembly between the stowed and extended positions. Furthermore, the water jet assembly can include a base plate attached to the bowl, a first elongated tube from the set of tubes having a first end configured to slide and rotate on the base plate and also fluidically connected to the pump unit, and a second elongated tube from the set of tubes having a first end that is rotatable and fluidically connected to a second end of the first elongated tube. Additionally, the nozzle can be fluidically connected to a second end of the second elongated tube. The first end of the first elongated line can be configured to slide on the base plate using a belt drive actuated by a second motor. Furthermore, the first elongated line can be rotatably mounted on the base plate by means of a third motor. Additionally, the second elongated line can be rotatably connected to the first elongated line via a fourth set of motors configured to move the second elongated line longitudinally and transversely with respect to a surface of the underbody. Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals represent the same components. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a deeper understanding of the present invention and are integrated into and form part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Fig. 1A illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the proposed de-icing and cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1B illustrates an exemplary view of the proposed de-icing and cleaning system implemented on the underbody of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 2A and 2B each illustrate an exemplary perspective view and an exploded view of the water jet arrangement of the proposed system according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figures 3A to 3E illustrate exemplary views depicting the movement of the water jet assembly between the stowed position and the extended position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4A to 4C illustrate exemplary views depicting the areas covered by the water jet assembly along the surface of the vehicle's underbody, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A illustrates exemplary top views depicting the transverse movement between the first and second lines of the water jet assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5B shows exemplary side views depicting the longitudinal movement between the first and second lines of the water jet assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 5C illustrates an exemplary side view of the vehicle, showing the transverse and longitudinal movement of the first and second lines with respect to the underbody surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, follows. The embodiments are described in such detail to clearly convey the disclosure. The embodiments described herein relate to an automated and effective de-icing and cleaning system for the underbody of a vehicle. With reference to Figures 1A to 2B, the proposed de-icing and cleaning system 100 for an underbody 100A in a vehicle is disclosed. The system 100 enables a user 110 to monitor the underbody 100A of the vehicle and further enables selective cleaning and prevention of the accumulation of ice and dirt in desired areas on the underbody 100A of the vehicle. The system 100 includes at least one camera 102 (hereinafter collectively referred to as cameras 102) configured to capture a set of images of the underbody 100A of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more cameras 102. The system 100 may further include a water jet assembly 104, which, as shown in Figures 1B and 3A to 3E, is movably configured on the underbody 100A of the vehicle and may be configured to be directed at different angles and positioned at different target areas across the entire surface of the underbody 100A, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C. The water jet assembly 104 may further be configured to spray a jet of water onto the target areas to clean ice and dirt accumulated on the underbody 100A.Additionally, a cleaning agent and / or a de-icing agent can be added to the water, which can further facilitate the cleaning and de-icing of snow or dirt accumulated on the underbody 100A. The detailed design and operation of the water jet assembly 104 are described below in conjunction with Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B. Additionally, the system 100 can include a controller 106, which is functionally connected to the camera 102, the water jet assembly 104, and a human-machine interface (HMI) device 108-1 to 108-N (hereinafter collectively referred to as the HMI device 108) associated with the users 110-1 to 110-N (hereinafter collectively referred to as users 110). The controller 106 is configured to receive and display the captured set of images of the underbody 100A on the user 110's HMI device 108. Furthermore, the controller 106 receives user input via the HMI device 108 specifying a target area on the underbody for de-icing and / or cleaning. Accordingly, the controller 106 positions the water jet arrangement 104 at the selected target area and actuates the water jet arrangement 104 to spray water onto the target area, thereby cleaning the ice or dirt accumulated on the underbody 100A. In one embodiment, the cameras 102 can be positioned on the water jet assembly 104, with the controller 106 being configured to move the water jet assembly 104 over an area of ​​the underbody 100A and simultaneously actuate the cameras 102 to capture the set of images of the underbody 100A, thus providing the user 110 with a complete view of the underbody 100A before and after the de-icing and cleaning process. For example, the cameras 102 can be mounted on the nozzle 208 and / or the lines so that the cameras 102 are not affected or obstructed during water spray operation of the nozzle 208. In another embodiment, however, the cameras 102 can also be positioned at any point on the underbody 100A of the vehicle, provided they have a good view of the underbody. Referring to Figures 2A to 3E, the system 100 in one embodiment can include a shell 202 that receives the water jet assembly 104. The shell 202, together with the water jet assembly 104, can be configured to be movable on an open section formed in the base 100A. Furthermore, the shell 202, together with the water jet assembly 104, can be configured to move between a stowed position, as shown in Figures 3A and 3C, in which the water jet assembly 104 remains secured behind the base 100A and the open section is covered by the shell 202, and an extended position, as shown in Figures 3B, 3D, and 3E, in which the water jet assembly 104 moves out of the base 100A through the open section.This configuration allows the System 100 to be safely retracted behind or inside the underbody 100A when the cleaning or de-icing process is not in use, thus protecting it from the elements and potential damage from road obstacles, while ensuring uninterrupted operation of the vehicle. The system 100 can include a first set of actuators configured between the tray 202 and the base 100A. Furthermore, the controller 106 can be configured to actuate the first set of actuators to move the tray 202 and the water jet assembly 104 between the stowed and extended positions. In one embodiment, the first set of actuators can include a set of linkages with a holder (collectively referred to as 204) that movably connect the tray 202 to the base 100A, and a first set of motors 206 that, when actuated by the controller 106, cause the tray 202 and the water jet assembly 104 to pivot between the stowed and extended positions, as shown in Figures 3C to 3E. Referring again to Figures 1A to 2B, the water jet arrangement 104 can include a nozzle 208, which is fluidically connected to a water reservoir 114 via a set of lines 212-1, 212-2, and a pump unit, which is fluidically configured between the reservoir 114 and the nozzle 208. The controller 106 can be configured to actuate the pump unit to allow the flow of water from the reservoir 114 to the nozzle 208 under pressure via the set of lines 212-1, 212-2, which can cause the nozzle 208 to direct or spray a jet of water onto the target area. In an exemplary embodiment, the pump unit can include a pump or compressor 112 associated with the vehicle. Furthermore, the water reservoir 114 can be an existing water tank provided on the vehicle, but is not limited to this. In one embodiment, the water jet assembly 104 can include a base plate 210, which is attached to the shell 202, and a first elongated line (from the set of lines) 212-1, which is arranged at a first end to slide and rotate on the base plate 210 and is furthermore fluidically connected to the pump unit (pump / compressor 112 and water reservoir 114). The water jet assembly 104 can further include a second elongated line (from the set of lines) 212-2, which is rotatably connected at a first end and fluidically connected to a second end of the first elongated line 212-1, wherein the nozzle 208 can be fluidically connected to a second end of the second elongated line 212-2. In one embodiment, the first end of the first elongated line 212-1, 212-2 can be configured to slide on the base plate 210 using a belt drive actuated by a second motor 216 and the controller 106. The base plate 210 can include a channel groove 210-1 in which the first end of the first elongated line 212-1 can be slidably positioned. Furthermore, a belt 214 associated with the belt drive can run along a length of the channel, with the second motor 216 connected to the belt 214 at one end of the channel 210-1. The belt 214 can be flexible, typically made of rubber or synthetic materials, and can run over two or more pulleys provided transversely to the channel. A pulley can be connected to the second motor, and when it rotates, it moves the belt 214, which in turn rotates the other pulley(s) connected to the belt 214.Accordingly, the actuation of the second motor 216 can drive the belt 214, which can cause the first elongated line 212-1 to slide between opposite ends of the channel or shell 202. Furthermore, the first elongated conduit 212-1 can be configured to rotate on the base plate 210 using a third motor 218. Furthermore, the second elongated conduit 212-2 can be rotatably connected to the first elongated conduit 212-1 via a fourth set of motors 220, which are configured to move the second elongated conduit 212-2 longitudinally and transversely with respect to the surface of the subfloor 100A. Accordingly, this configuration of the set of conduit 212-1, 212-2, which are movably connected to each other and further slidably connected to the shell 202, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, allows the nozzle 208 to be oriented at different angles and positioned at different target areas on the surface of the subfloor 100A, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C and 5C. This allows the water jet arrangement 104 to cover and clean / de-ice the entire subfloor 100A as required. In an exemplary embodiment, the base plate 210 and the set of lines 212-1, 212-2 connected to the water jet assembly 104 can be made of corrosion-resistant and durable materials. Furthermore, the shell 202 can be made of the same material used for the subfloor 100A, but is not limited to this. In addition, the linkages 204 associated with the first set of actuators can also be made of corrosion-resistant and durable materials. In one implementation, users 110 can connect the water reservoir 114 to lines 212-1 and 212-2 of the water jet assembly 104. Users 110 can then select a 'View' option on the HMI 108 to view images of the underbody 100A. Furthermore, users 110 can select an 'Underbody De-icing / Cleaning' option on the HMI 108 and then select a target area (to be cleaned / de-iced) on the images of the underbody 100A displayed on the HMI 108. Based on the user input (selected target area), the controller 106 can calculate the horizontal distance of the selected target area from the current coordinates of nozzle 208 of the water jet assembly 104.Furthermore, the controller 106 can calculate a vertical distance that the nozzle 208 should maintain from the surface of the underbody 100A, so that the nozzle 208 and the water jet assembly 104 do not collide with the accumulated snow or dirt on the underbody 100A as they move along it. Simultaneously, the controller 106 can calculate and transmit the end coordinates of the selected target area and a path to be traveled by the water jet assembly 104 to reach the selected target area, based on the calculated safe horizontal and vertical distances. The motors in the water jet assembly 104 can then respond accordingly to the end coordinates and the path, positioning the nozzle 208 of the water jet assembly 104 at the starting point for de-icing. The water jet assembly 104 can then follow the path to reach the selected target area for cleaning or de-icing. The camera mounted on the water jet assembly 104 can capture images of the underbody 100A before and after the process, providing users 110 with a consolidated view of the underbody 100A on the HMI device 108. Additionally, the user can then select a 'Stow' option on the HMI device 108, which can cause the controller 106 to move and secure the water jet assembly 104 in the stowed position behind the underbody 100A when it is not needed. Furthermore, after selecting the 'Defrost / Clean Underbody 100A' option on the HMI device 108, the controller 106 can open the tray 202 and move the water jet assembly 104 into the extended position. In one embodiment, the controller 106 can be an electronic control unit (ECU) associated with the vehicle. However, the controller 106 can also be a separate control device that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Furthermore, the HMI device 108 can be a display device or a dashboard interface 108-1 installed in the vehicle interior. The HMI device 108 can also be mobile phones, tablets, and laptops 108-1, 108-N associated with the user 110, which, after authentication of the user 110, can be connected to the system 100 and the vehicle's ECU (controller 106) via a secure network. In one embodiment, the HMI device 108 can include an input device that allows the user 110 to input instructions into the system 100 and select one or more options for controlling the system 100.The HMI device 108 can also include a display device that allows the user 110 to view the images captured by the cameras 102 and also to view the options to be selected and the instructions to be followed by the user 110 to control and operate the system 100. Referring again to Fig. 1A, the controller 106 in one embodiment can include one or more processors 106-1, which can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuits, and / or any devices that process data based on operating instructions. The one or more processors 106-1 can be configured to retrieve and execute instructions stored in a memory 106-2. The memory 106-2 can be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium, which can be retrieved and executed to perform one or more defined operations for operating and controlling the cameras 102 and the water jet assembly 104.The Memory 106-2 can include any non-volatile storage device, including, for example, volatile memory such as main memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like. De-icing and / or cleaning refers to the process of removing or preventing the accumulation of ice, snow, dirt, or other deposits on the vehicle underbody. In the context of the present invention, this process is carried out by the water jet arrangement (104) under the control of the controller (106) based on user input via the human-machine interface (HMI) device (108). De-icing specifically involves melting or dislodging ice or snow using pressurized water, optionally mixed with a de-icing agent. Cleaning involves removing dirt, mud, salt, or other contaminants from the underbody surface using pressurized water, optionally mixed with a cleaning agent. The term encompasses both processes individually or in combination, depending on user selection and environmental conditions. Thus, the present invention overcomes the shortcomings, limitations and problems of existing cleaning and de-icing systems by providing an automated de-icing and cleaning system for the underbody of a vehicle, which can selectively clean user-selected areas of the underbody of the vehicle and prevent the accumulation of ice and dirt. While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments are conceivable without departing from its fundamental scope. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person skilled in the art with average expertise to implement and utilize the invention by combining it with information and knowledge available to such a person. The present invention cleans ice and dirt that have accumulated on the underbody of a vehicle. The present invention provides an automated de-icing and cleaning system for the underbody of a vehicle, which can selectively clean user-selected areas of the underbody and prevent the accumulation of ice and dirt. The present invention provides a de-icing and cleaning system that can be operated in cold weather environments to maintain the longevity of the vehicle's underbody components and to ensure safety, reliability and cost-efficiency by preventing ice damage. The present invention provides a solution that automatically cleans and removes deposits, such as dirt and snow, from underbody components to ensure smooth vehicle operation and prevent performance-reducing accumulations. The present invention provides an automated de-icing and cleaning system for the underbody of a vehicle that does not impair the operation and performance of the vehicle. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature US 10293790B2

[0004]

Claims

Selective de-icing and cleaning system (100) for an underbody (100A) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising: at least one camera (102) configured to capture a set of images of the underbody (100A); a water jet assembly (104) configured to be movable on the underbody (100A); and a controller (106) functionally connected to the at least one camera (102), the water jet assembly (104), and a human-machine interface (HMI) device (108) associated with one or more users, wherein the controller (106) is configured to: display the captured set of images of the underbody (100A) on the HMI device (108); receive user input via the HMI device (108) specifying a target area on the underbody for de-icing and cleaning;and positioning the water jet arrangement (104) at the selected target area and actuating the water jet arrangement (104) accordingly to direct water onto the target area.; System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the water jet arrangement (104) comprises: a nozzle (208) fluidically connected to a water reservoir (114) using a set of lines (212-1, 212-2); and a pump unit fluidically configured between the water reservoir (114) and the nozzle (208), wherein the control (106) is configured to actuate the pump unit to allow, under pressure, a flow of water from the water reservoir (114) to the nozzle via the set of lines (212-1, 212-2), causing the nozzle (208) to spray a jet of water onto the target area. System (100) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one camera (102) is positioned on the water jet assembly (104) and the control (106) is configured to move the water jet assembly (104) over an area of ​​the underbody (100A) and simultaneously actuate the at least one camera (102) to take the set of images of the underbody (100A). System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the pump unit comprises a pump or a compressor (112) which is integrated into the vehicle. System (100) according to claim 2, further comprising a shell (202) configured to support the water jet assembly (104), wherein the shell is movably mounted on an open section of the underbody (100A) and is configured to transition between a stowed position in which the water jet assembly (104) remains secured behind the underbody (100A) and the shell covers the open section; and an extended position in which the water jet assembly (104) moves out of the underbody (100A). System (100) according to claim 5, further comprising a first set of actuators arranged between the shell (202) and the base (100A), wherein the control (106) is configured to actuate the first set of actuators to move the shell (202) and the water jet assembly (104) between the stowed position and the extended position. System (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first set of actuators comprises: a set of linkages (204) movably connecting the shell (202) to the base (100A), and a first set of motors (206) which, when actuated by the control (106), cause the shell (202) and the water jet assembly (104) to move between the stowed position and the extended position. System (100) according to claim 5, wherein the water jet arrangement (104) comprises: a base plate (210) attached to the shell (202); a first elongated line (212-1) from the set of lines, having a first end configured to slide and rotate on the base plate (210) and furthermore fluidically connected to the pump unit; and a second elongated line (212-2) from the set of lines, having a first end rotatably and fluidically connected to a second end of the first elongated line (212-1), wherein the nozzle (208) is fluidically connected to a second end of the second elongated line (212-2). System (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first end of the first elongated line (212-1) is configured to slide on the base plate (210) using a belt drive that can be actuated by a second motor (216), and wherein the first elongated line (212-1) is configured to rotate on the base plate (210) using a third motor (218). System (100) according to claim 8, wherein the second elongated line (212-2) is rotatably connected to the first elongated line (212-1) by a fourth set of motors (220) configured to move the second elongated line (212-2) longitudinally and transversely with respect to a surface of the underbody (100A).

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