Motor Vehicle Optical Detection With Integrated Airflow Cleaning And Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection systems in motor vehicles require separate systems for cooling and cleaning, which are costly and space-consuming, and are prone to fouling that disrupts sensor operation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system that combines cleaning and cooling functions by using a cleaning device with an air guiding part and heat dissipating means to direct heated air onto the optical surface, enhancing both cleaning and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cooling and cleaning systems are used for optical sensors, then each function can be performed effectively, but the system becomes more complex and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate cooling and cleaning systems into a single integrated device that performs both functions simultaneously. The housing contains both cleaning components (nozzles, brushes) and cooling components (heat dissipation means, air flow paths) in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate systems while maintaining both functions' effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cleaning and cooling device serves multiple functions: it cleans the optical surface of contaminants, cools the sensor through heat dissipation, and protects the sensor housing. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while ensuring reliable operation of the optical detection system.
2Reliability
If separate cooling and cleaning systems are used, then each function is dedicated, but the overall system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cooling and cleaning systems into a single integrated housing structure, significantly reducing the overall volume required. The shared housing, air flow paths, and control mechanisms eliminate redundant components and space, making the system compact while maintaining both cooling and cleaning effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealed encasements are used for sensors, then environmental protection is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling system that mediates between the sealed sensor housing and the external environment. The housing includes dedicated cooling channels and heat dissipation means that allow thermal energy to be transferred from the sensor to the surrounding air, while the sealed enclosure continues to protect against environmental contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing employs a sealed enclosure with integrated cooling channels that allow thermal energy to pass through while maintaining environmental separation. The housing structure acts as a flexible barrier that protects the sensor from contaminants while enabling heat dissipation through controlled air flow paths.
4Ease of manufacture
If optical surfaces are exposed to environment, then cleaning access is improved, but fouling from dust and sprays increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cleaning action by positioning nozzles and cleaning components that actively remove contaminants before they can accumulate and interfere with optical detection. The system performs periodic or continuous cleaning operations in advance, preventing fouling buildup on the optical surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cleaning agents or air flow as intermediaries between the optical surface and environmental contaminants. These intermediaries actively remove dust, water, and other contaminants from the optical surface, creating a protective barrier that maintains optical clarity while the sensor remains accessible to environmental conditions.
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 reduces size and cost while maintaining performance, simplifies assembly, and enhances cleaning and cooling efficiency, particularly for removing liquid droplets and dust from optical surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The flow of air is guided from the supply source to the optical surface via the heat dissipating means so as to transfer heat from the heat-dissipating means to the flow of air
Implementation Method 2
The heat from the heat-dissipating means is thus transferred to the flow of air. This will increase the temperature of the flow of air, and the resulting heated air may be blown onto the optical surface, hence enhancing the cleaning effect
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention related to an optical detection system (100,200) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a detecting device (105) comprising a sensor having an optical surface (110), a heat dissipating means (120), and a cleaning device (125) arranged in proximity to the optical surface (110) for directing a flow of air onto the optical surface (110) to remove a substance from the optical surface (110). Further, the cleaning device (125) comprises an air guiding part (130) for guiding the flow of air from a supply source to the optical surface (110) via the heat dissipating means (120) so as to transfer heat from the heat-dissipating means (120) to the flow of air.