Integrated Spray Nozzle Valve for Fast Optical Sensor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive vehicle optical sensor cleaning systems face challenges in reducing response time for cleaning fluid projection, which affects the reliability of data acquired by sensors, especially in autonomous driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid projection device with a solenoid valve that includes a hydraulic system and an electromagnetic system, where the projection organ is directly fixed to the solenoid valve without a flexible duct, improving response time by allowing the cleaning fluid to pass directly to the projection organ.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a flexible conduit is used to connect the solenoid valve to the projection member, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of installation is improved, but the response time for cleaning fluid projection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solenoid valve and projection member into a single integrated unit, eliminating the flexible conduit connection. The solenoid valve is directly mounted on the projection member housing, creating a unified assembly where the cleaning fluid flows directly from the valve through the projection nozzle without intermediate connections, thereby minimizing response time while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the flexible conduit as an intermediary element between the solenoid valve and projection member. By removing this intermediate component, the cleaning fluid pathway is shortened and directified, reducing the time delay associated with fluid transmission through flexible connections
2Loss of time
If the projection member is directly fixed to the solenoid valve, then the response time is reduced, but the ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit is segmented into distinct functional modules: the solenoid valve assembly, the projection member housing, and the cleaning fluid pathway. This modular segmentation allows individual components to be replaced or repaired independently while maintaining the direct-connection advantage for optimal response time
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design creates a universal assembly that can be installed on different sensor types while maintaining the same direct-connection principle. The standardized mounting interface allows for easy replacement across different vehicle models and sensor configurations, balancing repairability with performance
3Measurement precision
If multiple solenoid valves are arranged next to each other, then the control precision for individual sensor cleaning is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple solenoid valves are merged into a single integrated control unit that manages multiple projection members. This consolidation reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate valve assemblies for each sensor, while maintaining the ability to independently control cleaning fluid flow to each specific sensor through individual valve actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-valve integrated unit performs multiple functions: it can selectively clean individual sensors, clean multiple sensors simultaneously, and regulate cleaning fluid distribution across different projection members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each valve, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining precise control
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 solution enhances the quality of information acquired by sensors by reducing response time and improving the precision of cleaning fluid projection, ensuring reliable data for safe autonomous driving.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnetic system being configured to allow or block the passage of fluid through the circulation chamber
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic system comprising at least one fluid distribution member which comprises at least one fluid inlet nozzle, a circulation chamber and a fluid outlet nozzle in fluid communication with the projection member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluid spraying device (2) for a system for cleaning a surface (164) of a motor vehicle, the spraying device comprising a solenoid valve (3) configured to allow or prevent the passage of fluid towards a spraying member (8), the solenoid valve comprising a hydraulic system (4) and an electromagnetic system (5), the hydraulic system (41) comprising at least one fluid dispensing member (6) that comprises at least a fluid inlet end-fitting (30), a circulation chamber (28) and a fluid outlet end-fitting (32) in fluid communication with the spraying member (8), the electromagnetic system (5) being configured to allow or prevent the passage of fluid through the circulation chamber (28), characterised in that the spraying member (8) comprises at least a connecting tube (92) and a spray nozzle (94), the connecting tube (92) being fastened directly to the fluid outlet end-fitting (32).