Fluid-Actuated Telescopic Wiper for Vehicle Sensor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing arrangements for vehicle sensors, particularly those used in autonomous vehicles, are complex and inefficient due to the use of mechanical means like motors, leading to potential electrical short circuits and high water consumption, which can result in undesirable water ingress into vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A washing arrangement utilizing telescopic wiper driving actuators operated by washing fluid, which move along multiple axes to efficiently clean sensor surfaces without electric components, reducing fluid usage and eliminating the risk of electrical shorts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If motor-driven wipers and mechanical actuators are used to clean sensor surfaces, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases and electrical short circuit risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motor-driven mechanical wiper systems with a fluid-based cleaning system. Washing fluid is directed onto the sensor surface through nozzles, and the fluid flow itself provides the cleaning action, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators and motors that could short circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by utilizing pressurized washing fluid to perform the cleaning function. The fluid is pumped and directed through a system of nozzles and channels to reach the sensor surface, replacing mechanical actuation with a fluid-based actuation system.
2Productivity
If high volumes of washing fluid are used to clean sensors, then cleaning coverage is improved, but water ingress into the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directs washing fluid locally and precisely to the sensor surface through targeted nozzle placement and angled fluid delivery. This localized application ensures effective cleaning coverage while minimizing the total volume of fluid used and preventing excess fluid from entering the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple nozzles positioned at different angles and locations to deliver fluid from multiple dimensions toward the sensor surface. This multi-directional fluid delivery achieves comprehensive cleaning coverage without requiring excessive fluid volume from a single source.
3Extent of automation
If electrical components are integrated into the washing arrangement, then automation is improved, but reliability decreases due to short circuit risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates electrical motors and actuators from the wiper system, replacing them with a fluid-based actuation system. The washing fluid serves both as the cleaning medium and as the actuating force, thereby removing electrical components that could short circuit and improving system reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuators operating along multiple axes are used, then cleaning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluid-based actuation system where washing fluid pressure and flow direction control the movement and positioning of cleaning components. This hydraulic approach achieves precise multi-axis control without the complexity of multiple electrical actuators, as the fluid itself provides both actuation and positioning functions.
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 solution provides a simple, efficient, and safe method for cleaning vehicle sensors, effectively removing debris while minimizing water consumption and avoiding electrical hazards, thus enhancing sensor performance and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The telescopic wiper driving actuators are operable by the washing fluid from a retracted or collapsed condition into an extended or operating condition
Implementation Method 2
The wiper is configured to contact the target device to be washed so as to wipe at least one portion of its surface, such as for example a surface of a sensor lens in motor vehicle sensors, to remove dirt or liquid therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
The washing arrangement comprises at least one first wiper driving actuator and at least one second wiper driving actuator to move at least one wiper, and at least one nozzle for injecting washing fluid towards the target device, wherein the wiper driving actuators are linked to each other such that, in use, the wiper is driven by the first wiper driving actuator along a first line to contact the surface of the target device to be washed, and by the second wiper driving actuator along a second line to wipe at least one portion of the surface of the target device.