Air Nozzle Insert With Entrainment Ports For Sensor Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for cleaning and drying external 2-D or 3-D image sensor surfaces, such as LIDAR sensors, face challenges with excessive air flow requirements, limited coverage, and space constraints, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for compressed air systems.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, low-flow air nozzle design with shear fan geometry and air entrainment inlet ports, which generates a powerful, narrow fan-shaped stream of drying air, significantly reducing the required air flow rate while maintaining effective coverage and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional jet or shear nozzles are used for drying washer fluid droplets from lens surfaces, then the lens surface can be dried, but the air flow rate required is excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a two-stage pneumatic drying system using different nozzle types in sequence: a jet nozzle for initial high-velocity droplet removal followed by a shear nozzle for residual droplet elimination. This staged pneumatic approach optimizes air consumption by matching nozzle characteristics to specific drying phases
Solution Approach 2:
The drying function is segmented into two distinct stages performed by different nozzle types. The first stage uses jet nozzles for bulk droplet removal, while the second stage employs shear nozzles for residual droplet elimination. This segmentation allows each nozzle type to operate in its optimal performance range, reducing total air consumption
2Area of stationary object
If multiple nozzles are used to increase coverage area, then the coverage is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends drying coverage by directing air streams along the lens surface in a tangential direction rather than only perpendicular to it. This dimensional approach to air flow distribution allows a single nozzle to cover a larger surface area effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-nozzle system serves multiple functions: jet nozzles handle bulk droplet removal while shear nozzles address residual droplets. This multi-functional arrangement maximizes the utility of each nozzle component, achieving comprehensive coverage without excessive nozzle multiplication
3Quantity of substance
If a compressed air system with large compressor and storage is installed, then sufficient air flow rate is achieved, but the cost and packaging space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing windshield washer pump and fluid reservoir to generate the necessary air flow for drying. The washer pump, already present in the vehicle, is repurposed to drive air through the nozzle system, eliminating the need for dedicated compressors or air storage systems
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield washer pump serves dual functions: traditional washer fluid delivery and air generation for the drying system. This multi-functional use of existing vehicle components avoids additional cost and space requirements for dedicated air compression equipment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves efficient drying of image sensor surfaces with reduced air consumption, minimizing the need for large compressors and storage, and is cost-effective, making it suitable for modern vehicles with multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
air entrainment inlet ports, which generates a powerful, narrow fan-shaped stream of drying air
Implementation Method 2
shear fan geometry and air entrainment inlet ports, which generates a powerful, narrow fan-shaped stream of drying air
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an air dry nozzle assembly (512) having a housing which is aimed to direct a drying air fan (520) distally from outlet throat or orifice (546) which is defined in a distal wall (534) of an insert member (532) around which are two air entrainment ports or air intake holes or lumens (542 and 544), symmetrically located on both sides of the outlet throat or orifice. Air from the atmosphere is entrained from air entrainment ports while high velocity air or liquid flow passes through a power nozzle into the central exit throat.