Fluid-Bearing Sensor Cover Cleaning for Compact Vehicle Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensor apparatuses in motor vehicles face challenges in cleaning due to complex and space-consuming mounting designs, which hinder efficient cleaning of sensors exposed to harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor apparatus with a fluid-bearing system using a cleaning agent to move and clean the cover, eliminating the need for additional drive mechanisms and allowing for adjustable cleaning frequencies and dwell times, featuring a compact design with a sealant and scraper for enhanced cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotary housing with scraper and electromotive drive is used for cleaning sensors, then cleaning function is achieved, but mounting becomes complicated and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning agent storage, fluid bearing, and drive mechanism into a single integrated housing. The housing contains both the optical sensor and the cleaning system, merging multiple functions (sensor mounting, cleaning agent storage, fluid bearing operation) into one compact structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mounts the optical sensor, stores the cleaning agent, provides the fluid bearing environment, and enables both cleaning and rotational movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and drive mechanisms, simplifying the overall system
2Reliability
If traditional cleaning apparatus with separate drive mechanisms is used, then cleaning is achieved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the cleaning system within the sensor housing. The cleaning agent reservoir is contained within the housing, the fluid bearing is integrated into the housing structure, and the cover rotates within the housing. This nested arrangement allows the cleaning apparatus to occupy the same space as the sensor housing, dramatically reducing the overall installation volume
3Productivity
If fluid bearing with cleaning agent flow is used, then movement and cleaning are achieved simultaneously, but cleaning agent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid bearing continuously circulates the cleaning agent between the reservoir and the cover surface. The cleaning agent is not consumed in a single-pass manner but is continuously reused, with the same agent performing cleaning duties repeatedly as the cover rotates and the fluid circulates through the bearing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the cleaning agent's own flow and pressure to perform multiple functions: it provides lubrication for the bearing, drives the rotational movement of the cover, and simultaneously cleans the cover surface. The cleaning agent serves the system's mechanical needs while maintaining its cleaning function, reducing the need for separate drive mechanisms and minimizing overall consumption
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 solution achieves high cleaning efficiency with reduced need for cleaning agents and installation space, ensuring reliable and effective cleaning of optical sensors in harsh environments, applicable to camera and radar systems within motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing device has a fluid bearing that is fed with the cleaning agent
Implementation Method 2
the drive is formed as a fluid flow formed by the cleaning agent
Implementation Method 3
a cleaning agent is provided, which wets the cover in the form of a cleaning liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor apparatus for a motor vehicle has an optical lens arranged at a lens housing, a cover configured to cover at least the optical lens, a bearing configured to mount the cover, a drive which is configured to move at least the cover relative to the lens, and a cleaning agent configured to wet the cover. The bearing has a fluid bearing that is fed with the cleaning agent.