Manifold with Increasing Cross-Section for Sensor Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle sensors are often obstructed by environmental factors like dust, snow, and insects, which affects their operation and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with a manifold and solenoid valves that distributes washer fluid through a series of outlets to clear obstructions from the sensors' fields of view, ensuring consistent fluid flow and pressure for effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manifold distributes washer fluid to multiple sensors, then cleaning coverage is improved, but flow consistency deteriorates due to varying path lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold incorporates asymmetrically positioned outlets at different distances from the inlet, with each outlet tailored to specific sensor locations. This asymmetric design allows the system to cover multiple sensors effectively while compensating for varying path lengths through differential outlet positioning and sizing.
Solution Approach 2:
Each outlet of the manifold is designed with specific dimensions and positioning optimized for its target sensor location. The outlets have different cross-sectional areas and are positioned at different distances from the inlet, creating local variations in flow characteristics that ensure consistent cleaning performance across all sensors despite varying path lengths.
2Area of stationary object
If outlets are positioned at different distances from inlet, then sensor coverage is improved, but pressure distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold design incorporates outlets with different local properties - specifically different cross-sectional areas and positions - to compensate for the varying distances from the inlet. This local customization of outlet characteristics ensures that pressure and flow rate are optimized for each sensor location, maintaining consistent cleaning effectiveness across the entire sensor array.
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 system provides a reliable and consistent cleaning mechanism for vehicle sensors, enhancing their operational accuracy and reliability by removing obstructions, thus improving sensor performance in various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning system may further include at least three solenoid valves each controlling flow through one of the outlets. The solenoid valves may be independently actuatable.
Implementation Method 2
The pipe has an increasing cross-sectional area along the axis from the outlet closest to the inlet to the outlet farthest from the inlet.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system includes a straight pipe defining an axis, an inlet fluidly connected to the pipe and in line with the axis, and at least three outlets fluidly connected to and elongated from the pipe. The outlets extend parallel to each other and transverse from the pipe. The pipe has an increasing cross-sectional area along the axis from the outlet closest to the inlet to the outlet farthest from the inlet.