External Sensor Cleaning Using Performance-Based Spray Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external sensor cleaning systems for vehicles consume excessive cleaning fluid when sensors become dirty due to sand or similar materials, leading to frequent replenishment needs.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device and method for external sensors that include a cleaning part to spray cleaning fluid based on calculated performance detection values, optimizing fluid usage by adjusting the frequency and duration of cleaning operations based on sensor performance degradation over time or travel distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous cleaning fluid spraying is used to remove dirt from external sensors, then sensor cleanliness is improved, but cleaning fluid consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device switches between continuous cleaning mode and intermittent cleaning mode. In intermittent mode, cleaning fluid is sprayed at regular intervals rather than continuously, reducing overall fluid consumption while maintaining sensor cleanliness during normal operation. The control unit monitors sensor performance and selectively activates continuous cleaning only when detection performance deteriorates below a threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives detection results from the external sensor and calculates detection performance metrics. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to activate the cleaning device, and if so, which cleaning mode to use. This closed-loop control ensures cleaning fluid is consumed only when actually needed to restore sensor performance.
2Measurement precision
If frequent cleaning operations are performed to maintain sensor performance, then detection accuracy is improved, but cleaning fluid replenishment frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously spraying cleaning fluid to ensure complete cleanliness, the system uses intermittent spraying that provides sufficient cleaning only when performance degradation is detected. This partial action approach maintains adequate sensor function without the excessive fluid consumption that would require frequent replenishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the cleaning operation parameters (from continuous to intermittent) based on sensor performance parameters. When detection accuracy remains above a threshold, intermittent cleaning is sufficient. When accuracy drops below the threshold, continuous cleaning is activated. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes both detection accuracy and fluid usage efficiency.
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 reduces unintentional cleaning fluid consumption by suppressing unnecessary dirt removal operations, thereby optimizing the replenishment frequency of the cleaning fluid, contributing to more sustainable transportation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning part that sprays cleaning fluid on a detection surface of the external sensor for cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a cleaning device and a method for an external sensor. The external sensor is disposed on a moving body and configured to detect an outside of the moving body. The cleaning device includes: a cleaning part that sprays cleaning fluid on a detection surface of the external sensor for cleaning; and a sensor performance calculation part that calculates a performance detection value of the external sensor. The cleaning part sprays the cleaning fluid based on the calculated performance detection value. The cleaning part sprays the cleaning fluid based on a calculated change amount of the performance detection value with respect to time or a travel distance of the moving body.