LiDAR Spray Nozzle with Air-Assisted Cleaning at Low Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning systems for vehicle sensors, particularly LiDAR, face inefficiencies due to reduced washer fluid discharge pressure at low temperatures, leading to deteriorated cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR-integrated spray nozzle design with separate washer and air flow paths, connected at the nozzle tip, allowing simultaneous or selective spraying of washer fluid and air to effectively clean the LiDAR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washer fluid is sprayed at low temperature, then cleaning is performed, but discharge pressure is reduced due to increased viscosity leading to deteriorated cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines washer fluid spraying and air blowing functions into a single integrated spray nozzle. The nozzle includes separate flow paths for washer fluid and air that merge at the nozzle tip, allowing simultaneous discharge of both fluids to compensate for low discharge pressure caused by high viscosity at low temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic assistance by introducing compressed air through a dedicated flow path that merges with the washer fluid flow path at the nozzle tip. The air flow provides additional pressure and velocity to the discharged fluid, compensating for the pressure loss due to high viscosity at low temperatures
2Reliability
If air nozzle is added to washer nozzle for simultaneous spraying, then cleaning performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the washer nozzle and air nozzle into a single integrated structure. Both washer fluid and air flow paths are contained within the same housing and converge at a common nozzle tip, eliminating the need for separate nozzle assemblies while maintaining dual-function cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated spray nozzle serves multiple functions: it acts as both a washer fluid nozzle and an air nozzle simultaneously. The single device can selectively spray washer fluid, spray air, or spray both together, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated nozzles for each function
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
Enhances cleaning efficiency by maintaining performance across temperature variations and reduces washer fluid usage, thereby lowering maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a protrusion portion inserted into the guide groove
Implementation Method 2
the at least two flow path grooves are sealed to form flow paths
Implementation Method 3
spray washer fluid and air at the same time
Implementation Method 4
spraying of washer fluid and air
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-integrated spray nozzle includes: a LiDAR; a housing spaced apart from an outer peripheral surface of the LiDAR and including a guide groove and at least two flow path grooves formed therein; a nozzle cover configured to surround an upper surface of the housing and including a protrusion portion inserted into the guide groove; and a nozzle tip disposed at a fluid discharge port provided at the housing. When the protrusion portion is inserted into the guide groove to couple the nozzle cover to the housing, the at least two flow path grooves are sealed to form flow paths.