Distributor Disk Position Sensing for Accurate Liquid Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cleaning systems face challenges in efficiently distributing water to individual cleaning locations, especially with the increasing number of vehicle sensors, leading to potential misalignment and undesired liquid application.
Innovation Solution
A distribution device with a rotatably adjustable distributor disk and a sensor arrangement using a signal transducer to determine the position of the radial groove, ensuring precise liquid supply to designated areas by preventing liquid application when misalignment is detected, utilizing a shut-off mechanism to avoid undesired liquid application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of vehicle sensors and cleaning locations is increased, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the risk of misalignment and undesired liquid application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sensor arrangement with signal transducers that continuously monitor the position of the distributor disk and provide feedback signals to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of the radial groove position and ensures accurate alignment with outlet ports, preventing misalignment even as the number of cleaning locations increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical alignment systems with an integrated sensor-based detection system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical precision, the system uses signal transducers to detect the position of the radial groove and electronically controls the distribution process, thereby maintaining high alignment accuracy across multiple cleaning locations.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rotatably adjustable distributor disk is used to supply liquid to individual cleaning locations, then the precision of liquid supply is improved, but the complexity of the distribution device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor disk serves multiple functions: it acts as both a liquid distribution mechanism and a position-sensing element. The radial groove on the distributor disk is detected by the sensor arrangement, allowing the same component to enable both precise liquid supply and position monitoring, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the liquid distribution function and the position indication function into a single integrated system. The radial groove that guides liquid distribution also serves as the target for sensor detection, merging two functions into one component and simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Reliability
If the distributor disk is regularly adjusted and position determined, then the safety and accuracy of liquid distribution is improved, but the energy consumption and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement continuously monitors the position of the distributor disk without interrupting the liquid distribution process. The position determination occurs in real-time during normal operation, eliminating the need for separate calibration or positioning phases and maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of position through the sensor arrangement that automatically detects the radial groove position and provides feedback to the control system. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external intervention or manual positioning, maintaining high accuracy without additional time loss.
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
Ensures accurate and safe liquid distribution to vehicle cleaning locations, preventing safety-critical situations by regularly determining the position of the radial groove and adjusting the distributor disk, thereby avoiding incorrect liquid application.
Implementation Method 1
this signal transducer is designed in the form of an inductive signal transducer
Implementation Method 2
this signal transducer is designed in the form of a Hall sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A distribution device including: —a housing having an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports and—an electromotively drivable, rotatably adjustable distributor which is arranged in the housing in the form of a disk on which liquid-receiving and liquid-guiding means are formed. The distributor disk is rotatably adjustable into defined positions relative to the housing here. The liquid-receiving and liquid-guiding means here include an end-face radial groove which directs the liquid to the desired locations in the distribution device. In this case, the distribution device additionally has a sensor arrangement for determining the position of the radial groove, wherein the sensor arrangement has a signal transducer which is fixed in position with respect to the housing and a metallic counterpart element which is fixed in position with respect to the distributor disk and interacts with the signal transducer.