Integrated Spray Nozzle Valve for Fast Sensor Surface Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for optical sensors in motor vehicles face challenges in efficiently directing cleaning fluid to specific dirty sensors without affecting immaculate ones, leading to inefficiencies in cleaning fluid usage and potentially compromising sensor data reliability.
Innovation Solution
A fluid spraying device with a solenoid valve directly fixed to the spraying member, eliminating the need for intermediate flexible ducts, which reduces reaction time and improves the precision of fluid delivery, allowing for targeted cleaning of optical surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If flexible ducts are used to connect solenoid valves to spraying members, then the system is easier to assemble and disassemble, but the reaction time between valve activation and fluid delivery is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve body and spraying member are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the flexible duct connection. This direct integration removes the fluid transport delay inherent in ducted systems, achieving instantaneous response when the solenoid activates, while maintaining ease of assembly through modular design of the integrated unit.
2Loss of substance
If cleaning fluid is sprayed to all sensors, then all sensors are cleaned uniformly, but cleaning fluid is wasted on immaculate sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into individual controllable units, with each sensor having its own dedicated solenoid valve and spraying member. This segmentation enables independent control of fluid delivery to each sensor, allowing the system to target only dirty sensors and eliminate waste on clean ones, while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized modular components.
3Loss of time
If multiple solenoid valves are disposed in an array next to each other, then the electronic control unit can manage multiple sensors, but the reaction time between activation and spraying is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
Each solenoid valve is merged with its corresponding spraying member into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate duct connections that cause time delays. The integrated units can still be arranged in an array for managing multiple sensors, but each unit responds instantaneously to electrical activation without fluid transport delays through flexible ducts.
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 configuration enhances the quality of information acquired by sensors by ensuring precise and efficient cleaning of optical surfaces, reducing unnecessary fluid usage and maintaining sensor reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnetic system being configured to allow or prevent the passage of fluid through the circulation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluid spraying device for a system for cleaning a surface of a motor vehicle, the spraying device includes a solenoid valve configured to allow or prevent the passage of fluid towards a spraying member, the solenoid valve includes a hydraulic system and an electromagnetic system, the hydraulic system includes at least one fluid dispensing member that includes at least a fluid inlet end-fitting, a circulation chamber and a fluid outlet end-fitting in fluid communication with the spraying member, the electromagnetic system being configured to allow or prevent the passage of fluid through the circulation chamber, and the spraying member includes at least a connecting tube and a spray nozzle, the connecting tube being fastened directly to the fluid outlet end-fitting.