Inclined Wiper Blade for Sensor Cover Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for driving environment sensors, such as wiper systems, are inefficient in removing foreign matter from sensor covers due to movement patterns that either resoil the surface or fail to utilize gravitational force, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential interference with environmental sensing.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning unit with a movable wiper blade inclined at an angle (0°<α<90°) relative to its direction of movement, ensuring a force component in the direction of gravity aids in efficient removal of foreign matter and reduces re-soiling, while minimizing interference with environmental sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wiper blade moves in a plane perpendicular to the ground plane (up and down movement), then the wiper blade can remove foreign matter from the cover, but foreign matter is moved against gravitation during upward movement and may be smeared anew over the cover during downward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional wiper blade orientation by positioning it substantially parallel to the ground plane instead of perpendicular to it. This inversion allows the wiper blade to move foreign matter in the direction of gravity during both forward and backward strokes, preventing re-soiling and improving cleaning efficiency without sacrificing reliability
2Reliability
If the wiper blade is oriented perpendicular to the ground plane and moved parallel to the ground plane, then the wiper blade can clean the cover, but foreign matter is pushed perpendicular to the force of gravitation and the supporting effect of gravitational force is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the equipotentiality principle by orienting the wiper blade parallel to the ground plane, allowing it to operate in alignment with the gravitational field. This configuration enables the wiper blade to utilize gravitational force as a supporting effect during the cleaning process, reducing the energy required to remove foreign matter from the cover
3Ease of operation
If the wiper blade moves in planar fashion parallel to the ground plane, then foreign matter is carried along to the edge of the system and only then wiped off, but this results in resoiling and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar wiper blade movement to a three-dimensional configuration where the wiper blade is positioned at an inclined angle relative to the cover surface. This dimensional change allows the wiper blade to effectively push foreign matter downward in the direction of gravity while maintaining simple planar movement, eliminating resoiling and improving cleaning 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
The inclined wiper blade configuration enhances cleaning efficiency, reduces re-soiling, and facilitates faster drying, ensuring reliable sensor operation by effectively removing foreign matter without obstructing the sensor's view of the environment.
Implementation Method 1
a force exerted on the foreign matter by the moved wiper blade has a component in the direction of the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning unit for cleaning foreign matter from a cover, in particular a cover of a transmitter/receiver window of an environment sensor, including at least one movable wiper blade, which is arranged so as to wipe off foreign matter such as water or dirt on the cover by movement along the cover. For this purpose, the wiper blade touches the cover for example with one or multiple rubber lips. The wiper blade is positioned in an inclined manner with respect to a direction of movement of the wiper blade and is thus movable in such a way that a force exerted by the moved wiper blade on the foreign matter has a component in the direction of the force of gravity. Also described is a related device for sensing the environment as well as a method for cleaning a cover.