Modular Optical Sensor Cleaning Arc for Replaceable Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical surface cleaning devices for vehicle sensors are prone to manufacturing defects, leading to the entire device being rejected, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A modular cleaning device for vehicle optical sensors comprising segments with independent cleaning fluid circulation channels and connectors that allow for secure locking and easy assembly, enabling defective segments to be replaced independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wiper is used to clean the optical sensor, then the optical surface can be cleaned, but contamination from the wiper itself occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiper system with a pneumatic or vacuum-based cleaning system. A cleaning device with a nozzle delivers cleaning air or vacuum suction to the optical sensor surface, eliminating the need for physical contact with a wiper. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining cleaning capability while removing the source of wiper contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary cleaning medium (cleaning air or vacuum) between the cleaning device and the optical sensor surface. This intermediary allows cleaning to occur without direct mechanical contact, preventing wiper material from contaminating the optical surface while still removing contaminants effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the optical sensor is exposed to the environment, then it can detect objects, but contaminants accumulate on the optical surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary cleaning action by integrating a cleaning device that can be activated before detection operations. The cleaning air or vacuum is supplied in advance to prevent contaminant accumulation on the optical surface, ensuring the sensor remains ready for immediate detection without degradation in performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous cleaning action through a pneumatic or vacuum system that can operate continuously or periodically without interrupting the detection function. The cleaning air or vacuum maintains the optical surface in a clean state throughout operation, preventing contaminant buildup while the sensor continues to detect objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If a cleaning device with nozzle is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the cleaning device with a nozzle that can serve multiple functions: delivering cleaning air through one mode and providing vacuum suction through another mode. This multi-functionality allows a single device structure to achieve effective cleaning without requiring separate systems for each cleaning method, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic cleaning system where the nozzle can switch between delivering cleaning air and providing vacuum suction based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different cleaning needs using the same basic structure, improving cleaning effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 modular design allows for the replacement of defective segments without discarding the entire device, simplifying maintenance and reducing waste, while ensuring effective cleaning of optical surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The cleaning device (30) comprises a nozzle (31) for delivering cleaning air (A) to an optical sensor (S) in order to clean an optical surface (OS) of the optical sensor (S)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force:

Implementation Method 2

The cleaning device (30) comprises a vacuum suction device (32) having a suction opening (321) for removing contaminants (K) from the optical surface (OS) of the optical sensor (S)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4519127B1Device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical sensor of a vehicle, and detection system

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for cleaning an optical surface (13) of an optical sensor (12) of a vehicle, comprising a first and a second segment (14), respectively having a cleaning fluid circulation channel and a connector (22), the first and second segments (14) each comprising a cleaning fluid inlet (18) and at least one fluid distribution nozzle (20), the first segment (14) and the second segment (14) being configured to be attached to one another so as to form an arc of a circle, the connectors (22) having complementary shapes and being configured to engage so as to allow the first and second segments to be blocked relative to one another in an axial direction and in a radial direction.