Modular Vehicle Cleaning Nozzle Assembly With Universal Spray Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washer nozzles for vehicles, particularly those used in self-driving or autonomous systems, face challenges such as increased manufacturing costs, labor, and weight due to unique designs for each vehicle model, leading to space and weight constraints, and ineffective cleaning of environmental elements impacting camera and sensor functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular nozzle assembly with a unitary nozzle body that integrates multiple spray nozzles via snap-fit mounting, featuring interchangeable outlets and a check valve for unidirectional flow, allowing customizable cleaning patterns and reducing the number of parts, while being compact and serviceable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional washer nozzles use unique designs for each vehicle model to properly direct fluid spray, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing costs, labor, system weight, and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to multiple vehicle models and sensor types. The housing contains multiple spray nozzle openings that can be selectively covered, allowing a single nozzle design to serve various cleaning requirements across different vehicle configurations, thereby reducing the need for model-specific nozzle designs while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly incorporates individual spray nozzles that can be independently covered or uncovered based on specific cleaning needs. This segmentation allows selective activation of spray patterns to match different vehicle models and sensor arrangements, achieving customized cleaning effectiveness without requiring entirely different nozzle designs for each application
2Reliability
If conventional washer nozzles use unique designs for each vehicle model, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing costs and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal nozzle assembly that can accommodate multiple vehicle models through selective covering of spray openings, the manufacturing process is simplified. A single nozzle design can be mass-produced and then adapted to different vehicles through configuration rather than customization, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and labor requirements compared to producing unique nozzles for each model
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from modifying nozzle geometry for each vehicle model to changing the configuration state (covered/uncovered openings) of a standardized nozzle. This parameter change from structural customization to configurational adaptation simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the ability to achieve model-specific cleaning patterns
3Reliability
If conventional washer nozzles use unique designs for each vehicle model, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal nozzle assembly eliminates the need for multiple sets of unique nozzles across different vehicle models. By using a single standardized nozzle design that can be configured for various applications, the overall system weight is reduced compared to having separate specialized nozzles for each vehicle model, while still achieving the required cleaning effectiveness through selective opening coverage
4Reliability
If conventional washer nozzles use unique designs for each vehicle model, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but space constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized universal nozzle assembly reduces the variety of components that need to be stored, managed, and installed. By consolidating multiple vehicle model requirements into a single nozzle design with selectable openings, the system occupies less space in terms of component inventory and installation footprint, while maintaining the ability to achieve model-specific cleaning patterns through configuration
5Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable outlets are used in the nozzle assembly, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing integrates multiple spray nozzle openings into a single standardized structure, providing adaptability for different cleaning patterns without requiring multiple separate nozzle components. This universal housing design reduces the number of parts compared to having interchangeable outlets, while still achieving customizable cleaning patterns through selective coverage of the integrated openings
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 nozzle assembly optimizes cleaning efficacy, conserves space, reduces weight, and simplifies installation, providing flexible and efficient cleaning of vehicle surfaces like cameras, sensors, and headlights, while minimizing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzle body comprises outlets have a universal mounting that can interchangeably receive different spray nozzles. To provide a flexible and customizable cleaning device that is easily adapted to provide different spray patterns to optimally clean a given surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a nozzle assembly including a unitary nozzle body having multiple flow channels therein. Spray nozzles are mounted to outlet ports of the flow channels, such as via a snap-fit connection. The spray nozzles can be keyed with the outlet ports to align them in a predetermined position and lock the spray nozzles and the nozzle body together radially. Vehicles and systems incorporating a nozzle assembly are also provided.