Fluid Dispensing System for Vehicle Sensor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spatial sensing devices on vehicles, such as cameras and lidars, are affected by external elements like water, snow, and dust, which can cloud their lenses and reduce their ability to detect objects, potentially disabling autonomous vehicle functions until the lenses are cleaned.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing system with a mixing valve and heat source is used to dispense heated liquid and air onto the vehicle's external surfaces, including lenses, to rapidly clean them and maintain the sensing devices' effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spatial sensing devices are protected from external elements, then reliability is improved, but cleaning capability deteriorates when lenses become clouded
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing washer fluid system to clean the sensing devices, allowing the vehicle to clean itself without external intervention. The washer fluid is routed through existing conduits to nozzles positioned near the sensing devices, enabling autonomous cleaning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer fluid system, originally designed for windshield cleaning, is adapted to serve multiple functions including cleaning of spatial sensing devices. The same fluid supply and control mechanisms are used to clean both the windshield and the sensing device lenses, reducing system complexity.
2Productivity
If washer fluid is used to clean sensing devices, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fluid management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the existing washer fluid reservoir, pump, and control mechanisms to clean sensing devices, avoiding the need for a separate fluid management system. The same fluid supply serves both windshield and sensing device cleaning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing washer fluid conduits and routing structures serve as intermediaries to deliver cleaning fluid to the sensing devices. The system uses already-installed fluid pathways rather than creating new dedicated channels, reducing structural complexity.
3Temperature
If heating element is added to warming well, then warming effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is positioned to provide localized heating only to the portion of the washer fluid that is in direct contact with the warming well surface. This partial heating approach warms the fluid effectively without the energy cost of heating the entire fluid volume in the reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The warming well incorporates a heating element that creates a localized thermal zone specifically where the washer fluid contacts the well surface. This concentrated heating provides efficient temperature increase with minimal energy input compared to bulk heating.
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 system ensures continuous operation of autonomous vehicles by effectively clearing external debris from sensing devices, ensuring reliable dynamic object detection and maintaining vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source being in thermal communication with the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a mixing valve that is in communication with a pressurized fluidic supply system
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dispensing liquid onto a target area of a vehicle surface is described, and includes a mixing valve that is in communication with a pressurized fluidic supply system via a fluidic distribution system, and a controller. The mixing valve includes an outlet orifice that is disposed proximal to the target area, and the mixing valve includes first and second valve conduits that are fluidly connected to the outlet orifice via a mixing portion. The first valve conduit includes a first control valve, and the second valve conduit includes a second control valve. The fluidic distribution system includes a first fluidic conduit and a second fluidic conduit. The controller is operatively connected to the fluidic supply system, and the first and second control valves.