Camera Washer Manifold Assembly With Switchable Fluid Injectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require an effective washing system to maintain the cleanliness of exterior sensors and cameras, ensuring proper functionality, but existing solutions fail to provide a robust and precise distribution of cleaning fluid to these components.
Innovation Solution
A manifold assembly with fluid injectors that can switch between open and closed states, integrated with a block member and rail member, forming fluid paths to distribute cleaning fluid to cameras and sensors, allowing for precise control and distribution of washing fluid through solenoid-activated injectors and fluid outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a washing system is designed to provide fluid to multiple sensors and cameras, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple fluid distribution paths and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system is divided into multiple independent fluid injectors, each with its own control mechanism. Each injector can be independently activated to provide cleaning fluid to specific sensors or cameras, allowing selective and precise cleaning without requiring a complex centralized distribution system for all components simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly serves as a universal fluid distribution hub that can supply cleaning fluid to multiple different sensors and cameras through a single integrated structure. The manifold's multiple outlets and corresponding injectors create a multi-functional system that can adapt to clean various components on demand, reducing the need for separate washing systems for each sensor or camera.
2Reliability
If fluid injectors are positioned at multiple locations to clean different components, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper positioning and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid injectors are integrated into a single manifold assembly, combining what would otherwise be separate positioning challenges into one unified manufacturing process. The manifold structure provides a common reference frame for all injector positions, ensuring proper alignment and spacing is maintained during manufacturing, thereby reducing the cumulative precision requirements that would arise from assembling multiple separate components.
3Measurement precision
If the washing system uses switchable fluid injectors to control fluid flow, then the fluid distribution precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid injectors are designed with switchable control mechanisms that allow the system to dynamically adjust fluid distribution based on which sensors or cameras need cleaning. Each injector can be independently activated or deactivated, providing precise control over fluid flow to specific locations without requiring a complex overall control architecture, as the independence of each injector simplifies the control logic.
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
Enables precise and controlled washing of vehicle cameras and sensors, ensuring effective cleaning and maintaining their functionality by providing the right amount of fluid to each component, enhancing the reliability of autonomous driving systems.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for precise control and distribution of washing fluid through solenoid-activated injectors
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold assembly for a camera wash system of an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The manifold assembly includes a fluid inlet; a plurality of fluid injectors, each fluid injector configured to switch between an open state in which fluid passes through the fluid injector and a closed state in which fluid does not pass through the fluid injector; a block member configured to hold the fluid injectors in a fixed position; and a rail member including a fluid passage in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each fluid injector for providing a cleaning fluid to each of the fluid injectors.