In-Car Wash Vehicle Control for Automatic Entry Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing car wash systems require vehicle users to manually perform operations such as disabling wipers, folding side mirrors, and aligning with a track, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle management unit that automatically detects when a vehicle is approaching a car wash station and controls vehicle operations, such as disabling wipers, folding mirrors, and aligning with a track, to minimize user involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle user manually performs operations (disabling wipers, folding mirrors, aligning with track) when the vehicle enters a car wash station, then the vehicle can be prepared for washing, but the user experience becomes cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to automatically perform preparation operations itself. The vehicle management unit detects car wash station approach and autonomously executes wiper disabling, mirror folding, and neutral mode activation without requiring user intervention, making the system self-serve rather than user-serve
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs required actions in advance before the vehicle actually enters the car wash station. By detecting the approach of the car wash station and executing preparation operations proactively, the system ensures the vehicle is ready before washing begins, eliminating the need for manual operations at the critical moment
2Extent of automation
If the vehicle management unit automatically controls vehicle operations, then user convenience is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle management unit serves multiple functions: it detects car wash station approach, determines vehicle operations needed, controls execution of those operations, and manages communication with external systems. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional unit, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines detection, determination, and control functions into an integrated automated management unit. Rather than having separate systems for detecting car wash stations, deciding what operations to perform, and executing those operations, these functions are merged into a unified control architecture that streamlines complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a detection unit and a processor is disclosed. The detection unit may be configured to capture images outside the vehicle. The processor may obtain inputs from the detection unit, and determine that the vehicle may be within a predefined distance of a car wash entry point associated with a car wash station. The processor may determine a first action to be performed when the vehicle is within the predefined distance. The first action includes one or more steps. The processor may be configured to output a first notification to perform a first step, determine that the first step is completed, and output a second notification to perform a second step responsive to a determination that the first step is completed. The processor is further configured to determine that the second step is completed, and output a third notification when the first and second steps are completed.