Vehicle Surface Cleaning Pressure Control via Parallel Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for motor vehicle surfaces suffer from pressure drops due to varying distances between pumps and nozzles, leading to ineffective cleaning and complex, costly architectures when multiple pumps or tanks are used.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning method using a fluid distribution circuit with multiple valves having identical flow rates, where the number of open valves is controlled based on the distance from the distribution block and other parameters to minimize pressure losses and ensure effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump is used in the fluid distribution circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but pressure losses increase due to varying distances between the pump and nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution circuit is segmented into multiple parallel channels, each with its own valve. This allows the cleaning liquid to be distributed through multiple pathways, reducing the effective path length and resistance in each channel, thereby minimizing pressure losses while maintaining a single pump architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of open valves based on the distance between the distribution block and each nozzle. Nozzles farther from the distribution block have more valves open to compensate for higher pressure losses, while closer nozzles have fewer valves open. This dynamic adjustment optimizes pressure distribution across the system.
2Reliability
If multiple pumps or tanks are used to compensate for pressure drops, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple pumps, the system segments the fluid distribution into multiple valve-controlled channels from a single pump. Each channel is optimized for its specific distance from the distribution block, achieving effective cleaning at multiple locations without the complexity of multiple pump units.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump serves multiple functions by supplying cleaning liquid to multiple nozzles located at different distances from the distribution block. The valve system enables one pump to effectively service multiple cleaning zones that would traditionally require separate pump units.
3Stress or pressure
If the number of open valves is increased for distant nozzles, then the pressure at the nozzle outlet is improved, but the flow rate through each valve decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The total flow requirement for distant nozzles is segmented across multiple parallel valve channels. While each individual valve handles a reduced portion of the total flow, the combined flow through multiple open valves meets the total requirement, and the reduced path resistance through each segment maintains adequate pressure at the nozzle outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the valve network by dynamically adjusting the number of open valves based on distance. This parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between pressure maintenance and flow distribution, ensuring each nozzle receives appropriate pressure regardless of its distance from the distribution block.
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 method significantly reduces pressure losses and allows for a simple, adaptable architecture by distributing the liquid flow through multiple valves, ensuring consistent pressure at the nozzles for efficient cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
the pump draws cleaning liquid from the tank, the liquid being at a pressure similar to atmospheric pressure (the pressure depends on the height of cleaning liquid in the tank), and propels it into the fluid distribution circuit at a higher pressure (the pressure difference being dependent on the sizing of the pump)
Implementation Method 2
The pressurized cleaning fluid is sprayed through the cleaning nozzle onto the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cleaning motor vehicle surfaces with the aid of a cleaning device comprising a reservoir of cleaning liquid, at least one nozzle (2) for spraying the cleaning liquid, a fluid distribution circuit designed to convey cleaning liquid from the reservoir to the cleaning nozzle (2), and a pump designed to inject the cleaning liquid contained in the reservoir into the fluid distribution circuit, the fluid distribution circuit comprising a cleaning liquid distribution unit (6) comprising a plurality of valves (8) having substantially identical flow rates, the nozzle (2) being connected to a plurality of valves (8) of the distribution unit (6), the method comprising the following steps: - ordering the starting-up of the pump to inject the cleaning liquid contained in the reservoir into the distribution unit (6), - ordering the opening of a plurality of the valves (8) connected to the nozzle (2) depending on the desired pressure at the outlet of the nozzle (2) and when the pressure at the inlet of the distribution unit (6) has reached a predetermined pressure, and - spraying cleaning liquid from the nozzle (2) onto a surface to be cleaned.