Camera Spray Nozzle With Air-Fluid Discharge for Cold Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor cleaning systems, particularly for cameras, are inefficient in removing foreign substances due to contamination issues, and washer fluid cleaning methods at low temperatures lead to reduced cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A camera-integrated spray nozzle with separate washer fluid and air flow paths that allow simultaneous discharge of air and washer fluid to efficiently clean the camera lens, ensuring independent flow paths and directed discharge to enhance cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If washer fluid is sprayed at low temperature, then the cleaning system can operate in cold environments, but the discharge pressure of washer fluid with increased viscosity is lowered, causing deterioration in cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air spray and washer fluid spray into a single integrated nozzle system. The air flow path and washer fluid flow path are merged in the nozzle body, allowing both fluids to be discharged simultaneously through the same discharge unit. This integration ensures that air can assist in atomizing and distributing the washer fluid, maintaining cleaning effectiveness even when washer fluid viscosity increases due to low temperatures.
2Productivity
If separate air nozzle and washer fluid nozzle are used, then air and washer fluid can be sprayed simultaneously, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate air nozzle and washer fluid nozzle functions into a single integrated nozzle body. The nozzle includes a body with both an air flow path and a washer fluid flow path that are independent internally but converge at the discharge unit. This integration maintains the productivity benefits of simultaneous air and washer fluid spraying while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate nozzle assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated nozzle body serves multiple functions: it acts as both the air nozzle and washer fluid nozzle, provides structural support, and contains both flow paths. The discharge unit is designed to handle both air and washer fluid discharge, making the single nozzle component universal for both cleaning functions rather than requiring specialized separate components.
3Reliability
If more washer fluid is used to compensate for low temperature viscosity, then cleaning performance can be maintained, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pneumatic action by introducing compressed air through the air flow path to assist in atomizing and propelling the washer fluid through the discharge unit. The air flow helps break up the washer fluid into finer droplets and increases the spray reach and distribution, maintaining cleaning performance without requiring increased washer fluid volume. This pneumatic assistance compensates for the reduced flow pressure caused by increased viscosity at low temperatures.
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 nozzle effectively removes foreign substances from camera lenses, reducing the amount of washer fluid required and maintaining sensor performance by ensuring thorough cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow path configured to allow air to flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a second flow path configured to allow washer fluid to flow therethrough
Implementation Method 3
a flow guide located at the housing and configured to determine a flow direction of the washer fluid and the air
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a camera-integrated spray nozzle including a camera, a housing spaced apart from the camera, the housing including a first flow path configured to allow air to flow therethrough, a body inserted into the housing, the body including a second flow path configured to allow washer fluid to flow therethrough, and a discharge unit located at an end of the body, wherein the discharge unit includes a flow guide located at the housing and configured to determine a flow direction of the washer fluid and the air, a discharge guide configured to surround a discharge part of the second flow path, and a cover part located at the housing and configured to surround a discharge part of the first flow path and the discharge part of the second flow path.