Modular Valve Assembly for Compact Vehicle Sensor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive vehicle sensors, such as cameras and lidars, are prone to dirt and dust accumulation, necessitating frequent cleaning, and existing valve assemblies are not compact or modular enough to meet the diverse cleaning needs of various sensor locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable valve assembly with a fastening element and flexible attachment means, allowing valves to be removably mounted via sliding and rotating movements, and featuring fluid supply conduits for efficient cleaning fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If valves are mounted in dense areas for sensor cleaning, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity and packaging difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into modular valve units that can be independently mounted on the fastening element. Each valve can be selectively positioned and removed, allowing the system to adapt to different sensor configurations without requiring a completely different assembly design, thus reducing packaging complexity while maintaining cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element with multiple fastening islands provides a universal mounting structure that can accommodate different numbers and arrangements of valves. This multi-functional base structure allows the same assembly to serve various sensor cleaning needs by simply adjusting which valves are mounted, reducing the need for multiple specialized designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of valves is increased to clean more sensors, then cleaning capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly allows dynamic configuration where valves can be added or removed from the fastening element based on the specific cleaning needs. This dynamic adaptability means the system can scale from a single valve to multiple valves without requiring a completely different design, optimizing space usage while maintaining cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valves are arranged in a compact configuration on the fastening element, with valves potentially nested or closely positioned to minimize overall assembly volume. The fastening islands are distributed to utilize available space efficiently, allowing multiple functional units in a compact footprint.
3Ease of operation
If valves are made removable for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening islands and attachment means are pre-configured to provide automatic alignment and secure engagement when valves are mounted. This preliminary preparation ensures that even with removable design, the connection achieves reliable locking without requiring complex assembly procedures, maintaining both ease of operation and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening islands act as intermediary elements between the valve bodies and the fastening element. These intermediaries provide a standardized interface that ensures reliable mechanical and potentially electrical connections while allowing for easy removal and reinstallation, bridging the gap between removable design and connection reliability.
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 solution provides a compact, easily operable, and adaptable valve assembly that ensures effective cleaning of vehicle sensors, reducing maintenance complexity and enhancing performance by allowing flexible installation and scalable configuration.
Implementation Method 1
each fastening island being mechanically bonded to the fastening body by flexible means
Implementation Method 2
the flexible means comprise spring elements
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly comprises a fastening element and at least one valve configured to be removably mounted to the fastening element. The fastening element includes a fastening body and a plurality of fastening islands. The fastening element has an elongated shape along a direction of elongation and is configured to be fastened in an automotive vehicle by at rear face of the fastening body. The fastening body comprises a plurality of openings aligned along the direction of elongation, each fastening island being housed in a respective through opening and is mechanically coupled to the fastening body by flexible means. The valve includes a casing, and is configured to be removably mounted in a mounted position to a respective fastening island at a front face thereof by attachment means configured to mount the valve to the fastening island according to a sliding movement and/or a rotating movement.