Liquid Sensor Assembly for Steering System Water Ingress Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems rely on robust sealing and friction detection algorithms to prevent water ingress, which have limitations in effectively detecting and managing liquid presence, potentially leading to system degradation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid sensor assembly with a sensor housing having inlet and outlet openings, a liquid sensor with capacitors to detect liquid by measuring capacitance changes, and a bleeder valve for drainage, integrated into the steering system to detect and drain liquids, ensuring system integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust sealing solutions are used to prevent water ingress, then liquid protection is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid detection and management function from the sealing system by introducing a separate liquid sensor assembly with inlet/outlet openings and sensor. This allows the sealing system to remain simple while liquid presence is actively monitored and managed through drainage pathways provided by the sensor assembly.
2Measurement precision
If friction detection algorithms are used to detect liquid presence, then detection capability is improved, but response time and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect friction-based detection with direct liquid presence sensing using capacitive sensors that detect changes in dielectric constant when liquid contacts the sensor elements. This provides immediate, accurate detection without relying on friction changes or algorithmic inference.
3Reliability
If liquid is allowed to drain from the steering system, then system reliability is improved, but potential contamination spread increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the liquid sensor assembly as an intermediary component that captures and contains liquid through its cavity and drainage pathways. The assembly acts as a controlled interface between the steering system and external environment, managing liquid removal in a contained manner that prevents uncontrolled contamination spread.
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 liquid sensor assembly effectively detects and drains liquids, preventing system degradation, prolonging component life and allowing for pressure equalization, thereby enhancing the reliability of steering systems.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid sensor can be in the cavity for sensing the presence of liquid in the sensor housing
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid sensor assembly includes a sensor housing defining an interior cavity. The sensor housing has at least one inlet opening for liquid to pass into the cavity and at least one outlet opening for liquid to pass out of the cavity. A liquid sensor is in the cavity for sensing the presence of liquid in the sensor housing. The liquid sensor is between the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening. The liquid sensor has a sensor opening extending therethrough for the passage of liquid through the liquid sensor.