Fan-Driven Sensor Window Cleaning Without Compressed Air
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for sensor devices in driverless vehicles require a compressed air source and compressor, leading to high equipment and operational costs, as well as space and weight penalties.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device utilizing a fan to generate high flow velocities directly through a flow channel, eliminating the need for a compressed air source and compressor, with outlet openings designed to effectively clean sensor windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air is used as the cleaning agent, then the sensor device can be cleaned effectively, but high equipment expenditure and high operational costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential cleaning function from the complex compressed air system and implements it using a simple fan that generates air flow directly. The fan draws ambient air through an inlet opening and directs it through a flow channel to outlet openings positioned at the disk, eliminating the need for compressed air generation equipment while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel acts as an intermediary structure that guides and directs the air flow from the fan to the disk surface. This simple geometric feature enables precise control of the air jet direction and positioning without requiring complex nozzle systems or pressure regulation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If compressed air is used as the cleaning agent, then the sensor device can be cleaned effectively, but high space and weight requirements are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the heavy compressed air storage tank and compressor from the vehicle system, using instead a lightweight fan that draws ambient air. This extraction of the air compression function eliminates significant weight while preserving the cleaning capability through direct fan-generated air flow.
3Reliability
If compressed air is used as the cleaning agent, then the sensor device can be cleaned effectively, but high operational costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the energy-intensive air compression process by using a fan that simply moves ambient air. The fan consumes significantly less energy than a compressor while achieving the same cleaning effect through direct air flow generation, thereby reducing operational costs.
4Device complexity
If a fan is used instead of compressed air, then equipment complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention concentrates the air flow into a focused jet at the outlet openings positioned directly at the disk surface. This localized high-velocity air jet provides sufficient cleaning force to remove contaminants effectively, compensating for the lower overall air pressure compared to compressed air systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention positions the outlet openings directly at the disk surface, transitioning from a pressure-based cleaning approach to a flow-direction-based approach. The air flow is directed precisely where needed, creating an effective cleaning action through proper flow positioning rather than high pressure.
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
Reduces equipment complexity, cost, and space requirements while ensuring reliable sensor operation by using a fan-based system that is easily retrofittable and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
A cleaning device is proposed which uses a fan to generate high flow velocities
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning device (2) for a sensor device (1), comprising a housing (3) with a flow channel (4), at least one outlet opening (5.1, 5.2) fluidically connected to the flow channel (4) and a fan (6) fluidically connected to the flow channel (4).