Integrated Fluid Distributor With Separate Air and Liquid Flow Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning systems for vehicle sensors require a large number of separate components for distributing and discharging air and cleaning liquids, leading to increased complexity, difficulty in assembly and maintenance, excessive layout, volume, and weight, and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fluid distributor with a single case containing independently disposed flow paths for different fluids, allowing for the distribution and discharge of respective fluids through a unified system with solenoid valves for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate distributors are used for air and cleaning liquid, then each fluid can be distributed independently, but the number of parts increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate air distributor and cleaning liquid distributor into a single integrated distributor unit. The housing contains separate flow paths for gas fluid and liquid fluid, with各自 valves controlling each fluid type. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining independent control capability for each fluid, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability through independent distribution and complexity through multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If multiple separate distributors are used, then each fluid path can be optimized, but the layout space and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated distributor nests separate flow paths within a single housing structure. The gas flow path and liquid flow path are arranged concentrically or adjacently within the same housing volume, with valves and outlets positioned to maximize space utilization. This nesting approach allows optimized fluid paths for each fluid type while minimizing the overall system volume, preventing excessive layout space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If separate distributors for air and cleaning liquid are used, then each can be controlled independently, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated distributor housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains and protects both gas and liquid flow paths, houses valves for both fluid types, provides mounting structures for outlets, and acts as the structural framework for the entire distribution system. This multi-functionality maintains independent control capability for each fluid while reducing total component count, thereby decreasing system weight compared to separate distributor assemblies.
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 integrated fluid distributor reduces the number of parts, minimizes leakage and energy loss, optimizes system modules, decreases layout, volume, and weight, and lowers costs, thereby enhancing product competitiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a plunger configured to move by electromagnetic force generated when power is applied
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated fluid distributor includes a single case in which flow paths for different fluids are independently disposed. The integrated fluid distributor may also be capable of distributing and discharging respective fluids. The integrated fluid distributor includes a case, and a first flow path disposed within the case. The first flow path has a first inlet, a plurality of first outlets, and a plurality of first valves for a first fluid. The integrated fluid distributor also includes a second flow path disposed independently of the first flow path within the case. The second flow path has a second inlet, a plurality of second outlets, and a plurality of second valves for a second fluid.