Vehicle Cleaning Pressure Control With One Sensor and Multi-Port Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning systems for motor vehicle components, particularly sensors, are complex and prone to errors due to the large number of pressure and flow sensors, making them costly and difficult to control effectively.
Innovation Solution
A simplified control procedure for the cleaning system using a fluid conveyor device, pressure sensor, and fluid distribution device with adjustable output connections, allowing for central determination of cleaning pressures and flow rates, reducing the need for multiple monitoring devices and optimizing fluid pressure adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors and flow sensors are used to monitor each cleaning nozzle, then the cleaning system can accurately control fluid pressure and flow rate, but the system becomes complex, error-prone, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single pressure sensor located at the fluid delivery device. Instead of having separate pressure and flow sensors at each cleaning nozzle, the system uses one pressure sensor to monitor the main fluid line and calculates flow rates centrally based on this single pressure measurement and system characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure sensor at the fluid delivery device serves multiple functions: it measures pressure for all cleaning nozzles simultaneously, enables central calculation of flow rates for multiple nozzles, and provides data for controlling the fluid delivery device. This universal sensor replaces multiple specialized sensors that would otherwise be needed at each nozzle location.
2Device complexity
If a central fluid delivery device controls all cleaning nozzles using a single pressure sensor, then the system becomes simpler and less costly, but accurate control of individual nozzle pressures and flow rates becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control where the pressure sensor continuously monitors the actual pressure at the fluid delivery device, and the control device adjusts the fluid delivery device based on the difference between the desired pressure setpoint and the actual measured pressure. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate pressure control despite using a single sensor location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical pressure control at each nozzle with a centralized electronic control system. The control device calculates required flow rates and pressure adjustments based on the single pressure sensor reading, then electronically controls the fluid delivery device to achieve the desired cleaning parameters at all nozzles through system-level management rather than individual nozzle control.
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
This approach simplifies the cleaning system, reduces errors, and lowers costs by enabling accurate and efficient control of cleaning pressures and flow rates, ensuring effective cleaning of motor vehicle components while minimizing component count and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor (20) for determining a pressure generated by the fluid conveying device (10)
Implementation Method 2
a fluid conveying device (10)... having at least one fluid outlet connection (12) via which the cleaning fluid can be discharged under pressure
Implementation Method 3
a fluid distribution device (30)... with at least two output connections (32) via which the cleaning fluid can be supplied to at least two cleaning devices (41, 42, 43)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for controlling a cleaning system for motor vehicle components (S1, S2, S3), wherein the cleaning system has a fluid conveying device (10), a pressure sensor (20) for determining a pressure produced by the fluid conveying device (10), a fluid distribution device (30) having at least one input connection (31) fluidically connected to the fluid conveying device (10) and having at least two output connections (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) fluidically connected to the input connection (31), wherein each output connection (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position, at least two cleaning devices (41, 42, 43) each fluidically connected to an output connection (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) via a cable run (51, 52, 53) in each case, and a control device (60) which is data-coupled to the fluid conveying device (10), the pressure sensor (20) and the fluid distribution device (30) for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving signals, wherein the method controls the cleaning system in a simplified manner and reduces the susceptibility of the cleaning system to faults. The present invention also discloses a cleaning system for carrying out the method and a motor vehicle having an accordingly designed cleaning system.